Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Tea Gatha

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A while back, I picked up Thich Nhat Hanh's "Chanting From the Heart", a guide to ceremonies and daily practices from Plum Village. Of course, my favourite part was this short gatha:

Drinking Tea

This cup of tea in my two hands,
mindfulness held perfectly.
My mind and body dwell
in the very here and now.


Preparing tea, especially gongfu cha with great care, is a chance to meet the present moment. A quiet break form the distractions of a busy world. Finding the moment when the water is just right, seeing when the pot has just enough leaves, knowing the perfect moment to pour. Each session, each cup is a unique moment, inviting our focus and appreciation.

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