"Cha Chan Yi Wei"
茶禅一味
"Tea and Zen are one"
Tea has deep roots in China’s major spiritual traditions—Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. For monks, tea isn’t just a drink, it’s a tool for mental clarity and staying present. It helps them stay focused, awake, and mindful during hours of meditation. Each tradition also brings its own unique spiritual meaning to tea, blending with their beliefs and practices. So, it’s not just about sipping tea—it’s about finding balance and clarity in every cup.
The meaning of Chan
Chan refers to a school of Chinese Buddhism that emphasizes direct experience and meditation as the path to enlightenment. It's focused on deep meditation and mindfulness, often through silent contemplation, to break free from mental distractions and attachments. The goal is to reach a state of insight where one experiences the true nature of reality, beyond concepts and words. Chan later spread to Japan, where it became known as Zen.
Tea in Chan Buddism
In Zen Buddhism (or "Chan Buddism"), tea isn't just a drink; it's part of the practice of quieting the mind and finding peace. "Tea and Zen are one" reflects how both share a goal: spiritual growth. Drinking tea and meditating go hand in hand—they clear the mind, wash away the stress, and help you find calm in the chaos. Drinking tea is like reflecting on life’s highs and lows, guiding you towards a deeper sense of inner peace and enlightenment.