Passing on the Lamp of Dharma and Remembering the Master’s Kindnesses - Dharma Drum Mountain Sydney Chapter Welcomes the Lunar New Year with Tea Chan

On March 1, 10:00 a.m., Dharma Drum Mountain Sydney Chapter organized the "Lunar New Year Tea Chan". The chapter invited everyone to settle their body and mind over a cup of tea, to remember Master Sheng Yen's kindnesses with a pure mind, to pass on the Lamp of Dharma, and to infuse a sense of stability and harmony into the Lunar New Year.

The event commenced when everyone settled down in the sitting posture under the guidance of the Venerable. With the dimming of the lights and reverberating "dong" resonating from the alms bowl, tea servers began filling tea cups with water. Focusing their five senses on seeing, hearing, sensing and cognizing, the participants proceeded to smell the tea's fragrance, observe its hue, listen as water cascade into the cup, feel its warmth and experience the sensation of the palate. From the first to the third sip, as the aftertastes subtly ebbed, the mind in turn gradually became pacified and settled.

Engraved on the bottom of each cup was one of the four functions of seeing, hearing, sensing and cognizing, whereby the participants split into four discussion groups accordingly. Someone mentioned that focusing is not an easy matter, as the mind still tends to drift even during the tasting, but under guidance, refocusing on the present moment was a long lost feat re-accomplished. Another reflected that for a simple task of brewing and enjoying a cup of tea, everyone differs in their preferences. Just as everyone's life experiences and circumstances are unique, so it is unnecessary to compare and compete with others.

A participant shared that the amount of tea leaves or the dilution of the tea was no longer an issue, compared to the observation of every moment during the process. As in life, what matters is not what we may or may not possess, but how much blessings we have accumulated and how grateful we are, so that we may attain true "harmony, joy, abundance and prosperity". Another devotee sentimentally noted that when the mind unburdens, life actually feels more invigorated, as many matters could take a notch down, so we can savor and appreciate them with gratitude.

Following the Tea Chan was the "Remembering Master's Kindnesses, Passing on the Lamp of Dharma" event, incorporating a precious review of Master Sheng Yen's previous Dharma Talk in Australia. He stated that "Pureland exists not only in heaven, for as long as the mind is not led astray by external circumstances, that instance is a Pureland in time." On this 17th anniversary of the Master's passing, everyone lit a lamp in front of the altar, presenting each other with their gratitude and blessings.

After that, everyone listened intensely to the song "You Are Not Far (您未遠行)", composed and written by Venerable Chi Chern (繼程法師). As the music swayed, its lyrics subtle yet determined, we were reminded that as long as we continue to practice the Master's teachings in our daily lives, he will never be far from us. In that moment, many eyes were awash in tears. In their silence, while profoundly touched by the Master's kindnesses, the audience reflected once again that truly inheriting the Master's teachings is not merely a matter of formality. Instead, it lies in continued adherence to the Master's teachings and practices, as well as the tireless propagation of the Dharma.

Upon the successful completion of this event, everyone was filled with gratitude. This gratitude extended towards the Sangha; to Venerable Guo Chwan (果傳法師), the guiding Dharma teacher of Dharma Drum Mountain Australia Buddhist Association for the New Year's gifts; and, more so, to all the volunteers for their dedicated hard work. Special thanks go to Tina for her long-term support in providing the Sydney Chapter with a stable home base and facilities for everyone to come practice, learn and grow together.


◎ Original text in Chinese and photos: Dharma Drum Mountain Sydney Chapter
◎ Translation: Cheng-yu Chang (張振郁)
◎​ Editing: Keith Brown, Patricia Yang