Experience sharing

DDM Sydney Tea Meditation Personal reflection

On 1 April 2024, DDM Sydney held tea meditation at St Leonard's Library. The monastics had posted custom-made cups from Taiwan in preparation for the event. Tea leaves were lovingly placed in each cup.

As one of the three tea servers, we wore black robes and did slow walking meditation in harmony with each other and poured hot water into our dharma friends' cups. Our dharma friends were invited to observe and be aware of the changing taste, smell, temperature, and sight of their tea.

As a tea pourer, I was mindful of each step and not to spill hot water, focusing on each person and each cup. It was a helpful way to be fully present in the moment and to align mind and body when slowly walking and pouring water. Tea meditation - especially serving others - is good discipline.


After tea meditation, we sat in small groups to share our experience. Some participants said watching the tea leaves take shape and form into tea reminded them of birth (ie taking form). Finishing the tea is akin to the cycle of life - everything is constantly transforming, but every passing moment is still precious. Every step in the tea making and drinking process helped reach the next step and create an overall experience.

To conclude the harmonious tea meditation, the thoughtful monastics had also prepared artificial candles. We turned on the electric candles and everyone wrote on a leaf-shaped piece of paper a wish for the betterment of self and others whilst listening to the melodious chant of Avalokiteshvara in the background. It was a beautiful way to conclude tea meditation by collectively making good wishes for humanity.

Text: Sunny Lee
Photos: DDM Sydney