为茶界修道者颁证Certification of a Devotee

蔡荣章Rong-Tsang Tsai

20111019周三小方块 WEDNESDAY TEA CORNER

Why devotees, when we are discussing modern tea thoughts, you may ask. I am referring, of course, to tea brewing masters 1. They, as a matter of fact, are pursuing a path in the manner of devotees. These ‘devotees’ seek to perfect their brewing technique and equip themselves with ample knowledge about tea. When this is done, they will be able to not only enlighten themselves, but also the others, and spread the tea culture far and wide. As such, certification for tea brewing masters is granted in much the same way as that of the induction of devotees pursuing a spiritual path.

When it comes to pursuing certain paths, there are different types of devotees — tea brewers, members of a religious order and Buddhist monks included. They will be informed of certain restrictions and rules, and would be asked if they are willing to abide by such. If their answer to the masters or witnesses is a clear and bold affirmation, they will be formally accepted for the procedure leading to the certification or monastic ordination.

At the back of the ordination platform at the Jietai Si (Ordination Terrace Temple) in Beijiing where ceremony commemorating a devotee to full monkhood is taken place, there is a plaque with the expression “Shu Jing Jin Chuang”2, which serves as a reminder that one must continue to be invigorated and energetic in one’s cause of devotion. Tea brewing masters must realize and practise specific mindset and code of behaviour.  They have to understand the importance of brewing a good pot of tea, because this is the way to expressing the art and thinking through tea; and only with this, people will be inducted into the world of beauty.  These brewing masters will have to practise brewing daily after obtaining the certification. This way, they will be able to immerse themselves, the surrounding and the people around in a world of great aesthetics.

I would like to share this tribute to tea brewers chanted as a curtain-raiser of the Certificate Presentation Ceremony:

Tea Brewing Master is a qualification,

And a responsibility.

They are entrusted to spread the tea culture worldwide.

Brewing the best possible pot of tea, they must,

And bring out the art and thinking through tea.

Brewing the best possible pot of tea, we must,

And let the others appreciate the beauty in tea,

While realizing life’s many lessons in a cup.

Brewing the best possible pot of tea, we must,

Because this is the way to enrich our culture.

And through a good pot of tea,

We will seek to raise the level of tea culture,

To give people the gift of health,

And to spread harmony and peace across land and oceans.

Today, I have passed the test and am named a Tea Brewing Master.

This goal will always come to my mind.

I will pursue the Way of Tea as the following motto in mind:

Brewing a good pot is the physical training of a Tea Brewer,

Brewing a good pot is the pursuit of the Way of Tea,

Brewing a good pot is the essence to experiencing the World of Tea.3

以下为文内之编码Coding in the text:

1 tea brewing masters 泡茶师

2 “Shu Jing Jin Chuang” “树精进幢”

3 Brewing a good pot is the physical training of a Tea Brewer,

Brewing a good pot is the pursuit of the Way of Tea,

Brewing a good pot is the essence to experiencing the World of Tea.

泡好茶是茶人体能的训练，

泡好茶是茶道追求的途径，

泡好茶是茶境感悟的本体。

 (Translator:Katherine Yip.2012.07.18)

 

(1960)