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無我茶會Sans Self Tea Gathering (Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony)-Chapter 14 Presenter’s Script for Sans Self Tea Gathering-蔡荣章Rong-tsang Tsai

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《無我茶會Sans Self Tea Gathering (Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony)180條》

蔡荣章著Author:Rong-tsang Tsai

ISBN 978-957-9690-08-9,“无我茶会Sans Self Tea Gathering(Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony) 180” ,First edition: 1999.9, Second edition: 2010.9.《无我茶会180条》,1999.9第一版，2010.9第二版.台北陆羽茶艺股份有限公司.2012.05.20修订版.-English Translator : Katherine Yip,英语翻译：叶德明.

Chapter 14     Presenter’s Script for Sans Self Tea Gathering

A Sans Self Tea Gathering requires neither an event director nor master of ceremonies. However, the Organizer may assign a presenter to brief observers about the procedure and the meaning behind this unique form of tea gathering, if it is held in public. Such arrangement helps promote Sans Self Tea Gathering; it facilitates understanding of the concept, which is not to be confused with event facilitation.

Presenter’s Script for Sans Self Tea Gathering

Steps

Subject

Talking Points

1.Placing of number plates

a. Event

report

a. Ladies and gentlemen, we will be hosting a Sans Self Tea Gathering at __________ (time).

Please join us. During the tea gathering, our fellow brewers will be offering tea to you.

b. What is

Sans Self Tea Gathering

 b. Participants of Sans Self Tea Gathering bring along their own tea wares. Seated in a circle or loop, they serve tea to fellow tea drinkers; this way, each participant enjoys tea brewed by different persons. It is essentially a form of tea gathering where everyone brews, serves and drinks tea.

 c.On-site happening

 c. Seat number plates are being placed. Participants are seated in a circle or loop. Later on, they will take their places according to the numbers they have drawn. This realizes the first principle of Sans Self Tea Gathering, namely “there is no hierarchical differentiation.”

___(number) participants are attending this tea gathering; therefore, the number plates will be arranged in __(number) circles or loops.

d.Engaging the crowd

d. Ladies and gentlemen, today, each participant will be brewing four cups of tea, two of which will be served to you, our dear guests. Please stay with us. You will get to enjoy different types of tea (including those from Japan, South Korea, China ……).

e.Introducing the main and co-organizers

e. This Sans Self Tea Gathering, entitled  _________(name of tea gathering),  is held in conjunction with the _______ (occasion). It is organized by (the International Sans Self Tea Gathering Promotion Association) (and ____), and co-organized by _____. The Organizers wish to express their gratitude to the parties and individuals who have lent us their assistance and support.

2.Signing in

a. Drawing lots

a. Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, the participants are arriving. Seats are determined by random drawing; no one knows who will be next to them until they are seated. This embodies the spirit of the tea gathering whereby we accept things the way they are – there is no hierarchical differentiation.

b.Participating parties

b. Participating in today’s ____ (name of tea gathering) Sans Self Tea Gathering are (all) fellow tea drinkers from ____ (I can see participants (from Japan) coming in….) .

c. Taking the seats

c. Participants are now taking their places according to the drawn numbers; some of them are already taking out their tea ware.

d. Tea Utensils

d. Ladies and gentlemen, take a look at these tea wares, how they are wrapped and being carried about. Tea ware for Sans Self Tea Gathering should be kept simple. Hot water is stored in the participants’ thermal flasks. There are different kinds of tea ware, too, including those for (matcha). Participants are free to make their choices of tea ware and brewing methods, thus realizing the second principle of Sans Self Tea Gathering: that “there is no restriction as to the school or regional practice in brewing”

e.Tea ware appreciation and networking

e. When tea ware is laid, participants may proceed to appreciate others’ tea ware, and greet and talk to each other. This is what we called the “Tea Ware Appreciation and Networking” session. It is a good time for photos; once brewing begins, no photos are allowed. Participants may ask non-participants to take photos for them outside the circle.

If the owner is not around, or no permission is given, participants should not touch the tea ware of the others when they are appreciating it.

3.  TeaBrewing

a. When to brew tea

a. When the “Tea Ware Appreciation and Networking” session is about to end, participants will return to their seats and begin brewing. Timing is stated in the “Notification” distributed prior to the tea gathering. There is no event director or master of ceremonies at the venue; everyone follows the pre-determined schedule, just as the third principle of Sans Self Tea Gathering goes: “Everyone follows pre-agreed arrangement”. When there is no event direction at the tea gathering, people could focus on the beauty of collective rhythm. Today, I am here to explain to you what Sans Self Tea Gathering is all about. Imagine I was not here talking, the impression of the tea gathering would be much more graceful.

b. Venue clearing

b. When brewing begins, the area inside the circle or loop formation must be cleared so as not to compromise the integrity of the venue. Filming crews and photographers have to move out; if necessary, take a few snap shots and leave the area promptly.

c. Observing silence

c. No talking is allowed once brewing begins; everyone will concentrate on making tea. Participants offer tea to each other without verbal exchanges, such as  “thank you” and “have some tea, please” – a slight bow, and a smile, is enough. A peaceful and tranquil environment is conducive to an aesthetic experience and the bond between people, matters and space the tea gathering brings. This is another characteristic of Sans Self Tea Gathering, namely “Appreciating mutual-understanding and the beauty of collective rhythm”.

d. Ways of serving tea

d. Ladies and gentlemen, now you will see how tea is served. Each participant offers tea to the three fellow participants on his (left), and reserves the last cup. This way, tea is served in the same direction.  “Uni-directional flow of tea serving” is a rule of Sans Self Tea Gathering. When you serve tea to your left and receive tea from your right, you are “expecting no action of reciprocity”, which is one of the seven principles of Sans Self Tea Gathering.

e. Setting aside personal preferences

e. The four cups of tea a person drinks could be entirely different, because the choice of tealeaves is personal. Sans Self Tea Gathering wishes each person to accept and appreciate tea without letting personal preferences get in the way. Preference rules out things you don’t like, which could be something intrinsically wonderful. By rejecting, we could be depriving ourselves of the blessings in life. “Setting aside personal preferences” is the way of tea that Sans Self Tea Gathering advocates.

f. Getting better each time

f. Not all tea is masterfully brewed. There may be one or two cups that are downright bitter and astringent. When this is the case, we should ask ourselves: “Have I brewed a bad pot, too?” “Brewing a good pot” is basic. Bad brew is a disgrace to ourselves, disservice to the others, and yes, to the tea brewed. “Getting better each time” is one of the seven principles of Sans Self Tea Gathering.

g. Second cup

of tea/round of serving

g. The participants will be serving their second cup of tea to our guests. Today, you will be drinking various kinds of tea brewed by fellow tea drinkers from different places (Taiwan,…). This is indeed a gathering of friendship and goodwill. Hold on to the cup; this will be used for the fourth round of serving.

h. Third cup of tea/round of serving

h. The third cup of tea will be served with the tea pitcher; again, it will be served to the three persons on one’s left with a cup reserved for oneself.

i. Alternatives for the directional flow of tea serving

i.Tea can be served either to your left or to your right. Likewise, it is not a must to offer tea to your three immediate neighbours; alternative arrangements can be made. For example, one may be serving tea to the second, fourth and sixth fellow tea drinkers, or the first, third and fifth fellow tea drinkers next to him, on either side, as long as the arrangement is made clear in the Notification in advance.

j. A brief history of Sans Self Tea Gathering

j. Sans Self Tea Gathering was introduced in Taiwan in 1990. Today, it has won worldwide recognition. This unique form of tea gathering takes place in different countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, etc. They take turn hosting an international Sans Self Tea Gathering at given years. This year (next year), we will be having the __th International Sans Self Tea Gathering at _______(country/place) in _______(month).  You are all welcome to join us.

k. Fourth cup of tea/round of serving

k. The fourth cup is now ready. This is dedicated to all our guests. This time, it could be a different person serving you a different kind of tea. With the Way of Tea, we are encouraged to brew for others, even strangers. This practice is certainly upheld in a Sans Self Tea Gathering.

l. Cups used by the guests

l. Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy your tea. The participants will begin packing their tea ware shortly.  To avoid any inconvenience and to stay friendly to our environment, they will collect the cups they have distributed. (If the cups are given away as souvenirs, revise the script)

m. Embracing the ‘beauty of the void’

m. When the last brew has been taken, there will normally be a short session of music appreciation that demonstrates the ‘beauty of the void’ embraced during a Sans Self Tea Gathering. This is a time when participants relish the aftertaste, and refresh their memory on what has happened in the course of the gathering. The music comes on without any introduction and requires no applause. As the music fades away, participants begin collecting their tea ware and the tea gathering is coming to an end. (Revise the script if other forms of post-tea activities are arranged. Omit if no such activities are arranged.)

4. After-tea Procedures

a. Post-tea activities

a. (No explanation is required)

b. Wiping the cups

b. Before packing, wipe each used cup to avoid it being too messy when others come and collect their cups. This gesture is in line with the spirit of the Way of Tea, whereby we put others’ interests first. The tea ware will have to be washed when one is back at home.

c. Collecting the tea cups

c. After wiping the used cups, participants will proceed to collect their tea cups from other participants, (as well as tea cups from the guests, along the way). Silence is still observed.

d. Packing the tea ware

d. After the cups have been collected, pack tea ware properly.

e. Tea ware for travelling

e. Ladies and gentlemen, pay attention to these ‘travel’ tea ware used by the brewers. You may want to prepare a set similar to this, so you can enjoy tea when you are travelling or going out with your family. Note the way these items are packed: Tea cups must come with ‘cup covers’. Two of the cups are ‘hooked’ onto the teapot and bundled up with a wrapping cloth, while the other two cups are stacked with the tea pitcher and bundled up with another wrapping cloth. The idea is to proceed in a well-planned, systematic manner to the very end. There is this common saying: What has begun well must end well.

f. Service Counter

f. Ladies and gentlemen, (The Sans Self Tea Gathering Promotion Association) operates classes on the Way of Tea conducted by experienced instructors at different places. There are also classes on Sans Self Tea Gathering at fixed time and venues.  For more information, please proceed to our service counter.

g.Thank you

g. We would like to express our gratitude to ______ for providing us with ______ for the today’s Sans Self Tea Gathering. (Omit if not applicable)

h.The End

h. Ladies and gentlemen, we appreciate your feedback about this Sans Self Tea Gathering. Thank you for participating, and we look forward to brewing tea together next time.

i. Group photo

i. To commemorate this special occasion, we would like to invite all our guests to come together for a group photo.

This Sans Self Tea Gathering has come to an end. We would like to thank everyone for a wonderful time together. See you soon.

 

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無我茶會Sans Self Tea Gathering (Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony)-Chapter 13 A Brief History of Sans Self Tea Gathering-蔡荣章Rong-tsang Tsai

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《無我茶會Sans Self Tea Gathering (Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony)180條》

蔡荣章著Author:Rong-tsang Tsai

ISBN 978-957-9690-08-9,“无我茶会Sans Self Tea Gathering(Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony) 180” ,First edition: 1999.9, Second edition: 2010.9.《无我茶会180条》,1999.9第一版，2010.9第二版.台北陆羽茶艺股份有限公司.2012.05.20修订版.-English Translator : Katherine Yip,英语翻译：叶德明.

Chapter 13  A Brief History of Sans Self Tea Gathering

172. The Origin of Sans Self Tea Gathering

The prevailing ethos pertaining to tea in Taiwan in the 1990s gave birth to a unique form of tea gathering. The concept was initiated by Rong-tsang Tsai, then general manager of Taipei’s Lu Yu Tea Art Centre in 1989. The inaugural Sans Self Tea Gathering was held in 1990.

173. What led to the birth of Sans Self Tea Gathering?

There were both internal and external factors.  The one mentioned above was an internal factor. Meanwhile, there were two external factors.  Firstly, as was the tradition, a person would brew and serve tea to a few guests; or, a few brewers serving a larger number of guests. The problem was, this hardly reflected the spirit of the Way of Tea. There was the need to introduce a new format whereby everyone brews, serves and enjoys tea. Secondly, it was hard to effectively promote the Way of Tea because the number of participants was small. An aspiration to host a new kind of tea gathering for a larger group of people to share the Way of Tea became the catalyst behind Sans Self Tea Gathering.

174. The first-ever Sans Self Tea Gathering.

On May 26, 1990, Rong-tsang Tsai presented the draft of the ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering’ framework during the first ‘Teacher Training Course of the Way of Tea’ by Lu Yu Tea Art Centre; feedback and comments were collected from those present. At the end of the discussion, it was decided that a pilot Sans Self Tea Gathering for 12 participants would be held at the妙慧佛堂 near Lu Yu Tea Art Centre.  This was the first -ever Sans Self Tea Gathering. A review was held immediately afterwards, and the decision for a second Sans Self Tea Gathering was made. The format of Sans Self Tea Gathering was subsequently confirmed after three experimental tea gatherings.

175. The first Sans Self Tea Gathering in public

It has been the practice to have a tea gathering after the certificate presentation ceremony of ‘Assessment Examination for Lu Yu Tea Brewers’. On June 20, 1990, a Sans Self Tea Gathering was held at the Guangfu Auditorium of the Zhongshan Hall in Taipei in tandem with the 13th Certificate Presentation Ceremony. There were 70 participants, comprising both veteran and new tea brewers.  The Tea Brewer Certificates were presented to the graduates by the veterans after the tea gathering. This was the first Sans Self Tea Gathering held in public.

176. The first International Sans Self Tea Gathering

Sans Self Tea Gathering was first introduced to members of the Japanese and Korean tea fraternities during one of the gatherings for the exchange of tea culture. They were bowled over by this unique form of tea gathering, and brought back writings and videos for sharing with fellow tea drinkers.  On December 18, 1990, the first International Sans Self Tea Gathering took place at the Meditation Centre of 「十方禪寺」in  Taipei.  More than 70 fellow tea drinkers from China, Japan and Korea attended the tea gathering. In the earlier days, Sans Self Tea Gathering were mostly held at  Buddhists temples or meditation centres because of the spacious environment.

177. Publications of Sans Self Tea Gathering

To promote Sans Self Tea Gathering, ‘Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony’ was launched in March 1991.  Available in Chinese, Japanese, Korean and English, it is a concise guide to the format and spirit of Sans Self Tea Gathering.

At the beginning of 1997, a set of teaching materials about Sans Self Tea Gathering was compiled to facilitate class discussion. This was essentially a set of 180 related issues observed over the years.  In early 1999, the ‘Chinese International Sans Self Tea Gathering Promotion Association’, in response to the need of the ‘Classes on the Way of Tea’, undertook to produce six textbooks for tea studies. ‘Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony, 180 Steps’ was selected as one of the six textbooks. It was published in September the same year, ahead of the others. This was a more comprehensive record of the ideologies and served as an ‘operational manual’ of Sans Self Tea Gathering.

In the winter of 2012, we updated ‘Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony 180’ and incorporated some conceptual interpretation. It was translated into English and renamed  《Sans Self Tea Gathering: Tea Gathering as an artistic manifestation of the Way of Tea》.

178. The First Sans Self Tea Gathering Stone Tablet at the Wuyi Mountain

At the second International Sans Self Tea Gathering held on October 17, 1991, a memorial stone tablet was erected in the courtyard of the Wuyi Mountain Villa located at the foothill of the Manting Peakt, a day before the morning event, thanks to the effort of everyone concerned, and in particular the assistance of deputy managing director Liu Caihua and director Lin Xing of the Wuyi Mountain Villa. On the front of the stone tablet was carved the subject of the event: ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering at Manting Peak’ and an inscription translated as follows: ‘On October 17, 1991, more than a hundred tea aficionados gathered together at the Manting Peak. Each person brought along his/her own tealeaves and tea ware. Seated in a circle, each participant brewed four cups of tea, and offered three of these to fellow drinkers on the left while reserving one for own consumption. This way, everyone brewed and served tea on equal standing’. On the back of the stone tablet was carved: ‘The Spirit of Sans Self Tea Gathering’ and an inscription translated as follows: ‘Seats are decided by random drawing, not seniority and status. Tea is served to the left and received from the right, without expectation of reciprocation.  Tea, regardless of its quality, is received readily. Brew the best tea possible and aspire to keep improving. The event proceeds as agreed without the need of direction for the cultivation of understanding and cooperation as a team’.

Our gratitude also goes to renowned calligrapher Huang Meifeng for the calligraphy of the tablet inscription and famous stone carver He Shuangshui  for carving it out.

179. From ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering Promotion Committee’ to ‘Chinese International Sans Self Tea Gathering Promotion Association’

During the fledgling period of its development, Sans Self Tea Gatherings were held at the Lu Yu Tea Art Centre; seminars and related activities were organized in the name of Sans Self Tea Gathering Promotion Committee. In August, 1994, the ‘Chinese International Sans Self Tea Gathering Promotion Association’ was established with the approval of the Taiwanese Government. It is an independent incorporated association with its registered address at the Lu Yu Tea Art Centre, where the office of the Association was located, thanks to the Lu Yu Tea Art Centre.

180. Milestones of Sans Self Tea Gathering （1989～2012）

1990.05.26　Discussion of the draft proposal of Sans Self Tea Gathering

1990.06.02　The 1st pilot Sans Self Tea Gathering

1990.06.23　The 1st Sans Self Tea Gathering in public was held in tandem with the 13th Certificate Presentation Ceremony for Tea Brewers

1990.11.14　This unique idea was introduced to overseas tea drinkers during the ‘Purity’ Sans Self Tea Gathering held at a Buddhist Temple where 20 Chinese and Japanese tea drinkers gathered together

1990.12.18　The 1st international Sans Self Tea Gathering was held in Taiwan. Participants included Chinese, Japanese and Korean tea drinkers.

1991.03.01　 ‘Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony’, a book dedicated to Sans Self Tea Gathering, was published in Chinese, Japanese, Korean and English.

1991.03.27　Sans Self Tea Gathering was incorporated into the curriculum of Lu Yu’s the Way of Tea classes from its 50th Tea Brewing Seminar onwards.

1991.05.12    70 people participated in the ‘Mother’s Day Familial Bonding’ Sans Self Tea Gathering held at the National Chiang Kai Shek Cultural Centre, Taipei.

1991.08.04　100 fellow tea drinkers gathered by the Lily Pond at the Taipei Botanical Garden for the ‘Lily Appreciation’ Sans Self Tea Gathering.

1991.09.08　50 tea drinkers organized a ‘Back to the Basics’ Sans Self Tea Gathering at the浩然敬老院.

1991.10.17　About 100 Chinese, Japanese and Korean tea drinkers participated in the 2nd International Sans Self Tea Gathering held at the Wuyi Mountain. A stone tablet was erected to commemorate the occasion.

1991.10.20　Members from the Taiwan delegation who had attended the 2nd International Sans Self Tea Gathering hosted a Sans Self Tea Gathering briefing at the Hong Kong Museum of Tea Ware.

1992.05.05　A briefing on Sans Self Tea Gathering was held during the 3rd Festival of Ceramics Art at Yixing.

1992.05.07　A briefing on Sans Self Tea Gathering was held at the Huxin Ting, Shanghai

1992.09.20　60 people from Taipei and Kaohsiung participated in the ‘Monastery’ Sans Self Tea Gathering held at the Main Shrine of Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Kaohsiung

1992.11.09   The 3rd International Sans Self Tea Gathering took place in Japan, with one session each at Kinkaku-ji , Choan-ji  and Amanohashidate. These gatherings were attended by 200 Chinese, Japanese and Korean tea drinkers.

1993.02.06　Rong-tsang Tsai suggested using rainbow as the source of  inspiration for the design of the flag of Sans Self Tea Gathering during the ‘YuanXiao Lantern’ Sans Self Tea Gathering at the house of fellow tea drinker Liao Chunyu.

1993.10.13    The 4th International Sans Self Tea Gathering was held at the Imperial Palace (Gyeongbokgung) of Korea, with 350 Chinese, Japanese and Korean tea drinkers attending the event.

1994.05.01　The Lu Yu Tea Art Centre set up the ‘Sans Self Centre’ dedicated to the training of Sans Self Tea Gathering.

1994.05.08　500 people attended the ‘Jiaxu Mother’s Day Familial Bonding’ Sans Self Tea Gathering at the Square of the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

1994.08.10　120 international students attending the annual general meeting of the International Association of Students in Economics and Business Management participated in a Sans Self Tea Gathering Demonstration and Practice session held at Lai Lai Sheraton (now Sheraton Grande Taipei Hotel), Taipei.

1995.05.31　The Way of Tea Society of the Christ’s College in Guandu, Taipei, hosted the inaugural Tea Studies Seminar. A Sans Self Tea Gathering was held in the evening in tandem with the certificate presentation ceremony.

1995.10.27　The 5th International Sans Self Tea Gathering had two tea gatherings held at Wuyi Mountain’s scenic spots of Yun Wo and Peak Yunu respectively, each with about 200 participants.

1996.05.05    The year’s ‘Mother’s Day Familial Bonding’ Sans Self Tea Gathering was simultaneously held in 10 cities and towns in Taiwan, attended by more than 1,200 people.

1996.09.25　An evening Sans Self Tea Gathering attended by the Prison Warden and 50 inmates was held at the Taiwan Wuling Open Prison, Taitung. The gathering was themed ‘Celebrating the Moonlight of Wuling with Fragrant Tea’.

1997.01.12　A talk and demonstration on ‘The Organization and Spirit of Sans Self Tea Gathering’ was held at the Lecture Hall, Hong Kong Museum of Art during the Hong Kong Tea Art Competition. A 50-people Sans Self Tea Gathering was held after the session at the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront.

1997.01.14　30 Malaysians participated in a Sans Self Tea Gathering Workshop at the Chan She Shu Yuen (Chan Clan Temple Library) located in Jalan Petaling

1997.02　　A set of teaching materials about Sans Self Tea Gathering was compiled as ‘Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony, 180 Steps’ for class discussion.

1997.03.08　Taiwan’s United Daily News published a 2/3 page story on Sans Self Tea Gathering and Tea ware on-the-go. The title was: ‘Renaissance of Chinese Tea – a world with no seniority, reciprocation and preference – Sans Self Tea Gathering expresses the Beauty in Quietude’.

1997.11.22　The 6th International Sans Self Tea Gathering was held at the National Chiang Kai Shek Cultural Centre, Taipei with a thousand people attending; following which a Sans Self Tea Gathering was held at the Koahsiung Chiang Kai Shek Cultural Centre on 26th November with 500 participants.

1998.03.07　The tea fraternity in Singapore hosted a multi-racial Sans Self Tea Gathering with 100 participants.

1998.05.04　The University of Peking’s Society of Oriental Tea Culture Research organized a Sans Self Tea Gathering to celebrate the university’s centennial.

1999.10.16　The 7th International Sans Self Tea Gathering, co-organized by  the Zhejiang Tea Society and the Zhejiang Association of Science and technology, was held at Hangzhou, Xincheong and Tiantai respectively.

2001.05.06    A ‘Global Mother’s Day Familial Bonding’ Sans Self Tea Gathering took place in 11 cities around the world; these include 8 areas in Taiwan, and Hanzhou, Italy and Singapore, among others. More than 1,000 tea drinkers celebrated Mother’s Day by participating in the dedicated Sans Self Tea Gathering.

2001.10.07   The 8th International Sans Self Tea Gathering took place in Japan with one session each in Aichi (October 7), Shizuoka (October 8) and Inasa (October 9) ; there was a total of 250 participants

2003.04       A Lu Yu Tea Art Centre was opened in Beijing. The teaching of Sans Self Tea Gathering has since been incorporated into its Tea Art Seminars.

2003.10.16   A ’Commemorative Lu Yu Sans Self Tea Gathering’ was organized at Tianmen of Hubei Province  in tandem with the seminar on Cross-Strait Lu Yu Tea Culture and Development of the Tea Industry; in addition, a ‘Cross-Strait Tea Drinkers’ Golden Autumn Sans Self Tea Gathering’ was held at the Anhui Agricultural University on October 20.

20040.05      The annual ‘Mother’s Day Familial Bonding’ Sans Self Tea Gathering evolved to the ‘World Tea Offering Day’. Tea drinkers the world over are invited to offer tea to family, friends and strangers during the first weekend of May through the participation in Sans Self Tea Gathering.

2004.08.21    The 9th International Sans Self Tea Gathering was held at the Marina City Park in Singapore with 500 participants.

2005.11.02    The 10th International Sans Self Tea Gathering took place at the Wuyi Mountain of Fujian Province, with one session each at the Wuyishan National Tourism Resort (November 2) and Wuyishan Town Stadium (November 3); there was a total of 300 participants.

2007.09.28    Tenfu Tea College (now Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology) was set up in Pantuo of Zhangzhou, Fujian Provice. The one-semester Sans Self Tea Gathering course was incorporated into the curriculum of its Tea Culture studies.

2007.10.13    The 11th International Sans Self Tea Gathering was organized in Korea, with one session each at the Wonkwang University, Iksan (October 13) and Changgyeongung Palace, Seoul (October 14); there was a total of 400 participants.

2009.10.18      The 12th International Sans Self Tea Gathering took place in San Francisco with the attendance of more than 100 tea drinkers from China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and the United States.

2011.05.28      The 13th Sans Self Tea Gathering took place in Taiwan; a thousand-participant Sans Self Tea Gathering was organized at the National Chiang Kai Shek Cultural Centre, Taipei on the May 29. This was followed by the ‘Daybreak’ Sans Self Tea Gathering by the side of the Sun Moon Lake on the May 30 with 400 participants, and the ‘Dawn’ Sans Self Tea Gathering at the Amitabha Buddhist Temple, Alishan on May 31 with 300 participants.

2011.06.17      Documentation of information and reading materials related to Sans Self Tea Gathering began. Website: http://www.contemporaryteathinker.com

2012.05.27  美國拉斯維加斯茶文化學會在當地舉辦一場「沙漠甘泉無我茶會」。

2012.09.09  汶莱中华文艺联合会邀當地居民30人舉行無我茶會，馬來西亞紫藤文化企業集團茶藝學習中心主任許玉蓮前往指导。

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陆羽茶道教室的课程变迁图-20130911周三小方块-蔡荣章

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陆羽茶道教室的课程变迁图

蔡荣章

20130911周三小方块WEDNESDAY TEA CORNER

首先将台北陆羽茶艺中心从1980年成立到2012年间，茶道教室所开设的各种课程统计如下：

a. 1980: 茶艺讲座

b. 1982: 壶艺讲座、评茶讲座、泡茶讲座（后改成“茶法与茶会讲座”）

c. 1988: 茶思想研讨

d. 1996: 师资研究班

e. 1999: 泡茶研习班

f. 2004: 评茶研习班

g. 2005: 茶席之花、四序茶会

h. 2007: 茶文艺讲座、无我茶会、香道

i. 2009: 日本茶道、專業英語、陆羽茶经

台北陆羽茶艺中心1980年10月1日开始营运后，同年12月就启动了茶道教室的工作。因为是茶文化复兴的初期，而且是非学校体系的教学，所以要从茶学基础开始，且是以泡茶、喝茶为主的综合性课程，当时称为“茶艺讲座”。初期课程分为八次，每次二小时。第一次是茶的制造，第二次是茶的识别，第三次是泡茶原理，第四次是泡茶演练，第五次是陶艺与茶艺，第六次是茶的历史与文化，第七次是茶艺观摩（即泡茶考试），第八次是笔试、研讨、与发证。后来在第六次后增加了无我茶会而变成九次课。

随着综合性课程之后开设的是分科教育：茶具跟在茶叶之后最先受到喝茶人的关注，市场行情一日千里，博物馆也争先举办古壶收藏展，“壶艺”之词不胫而走。于是“壶艺讲座”在1982年3月开始变成茶道教室的第二个招生班别。当时的讲座内容几乎80%倾向紫砂陶艺与紫砂壶，到了1996年师资研究班成立后，才将壶艺的应有面貌完整地呈现，也就是陶瓷兼顾、中西并重。

跟在壶艺讲座之后的分科教育是1982年5月开班的“评茶讲座”。这时茶行在台湾是五步一小家十步一大家，每个主要产茶区的茶比赛揭晓日都是万人空巷。茶叶已成待客最体面的饮料，大家急于了解茶叶品质的好坏，于是茶叶评鉴、感官审评变成了热门的话题。

1983年12月23日，陆羽泡茶师检定考试首次登场。在此之前陆羽茶道教室就一直强调泡好茶的重要性，买好壶、买好茶不都是为了泡好一壶茶来品饮？而且这时候的喝茶人开始意识到了茶道、茶艺术的存在。1982年12月，“泡茶讲座”（后改成“茶法与茶会讲座”）在茶道教室开始招生。这时是一期八次的时间全部拿来研究如何把茶泡好，而且每次都要在课堂上与老师一起练习。

刚才提到茶友们开始意识到茶道、茶艺术的存在，各种茶道课程也陆续展开，但在这茶文化复兴的起始阶段若没有走出正确的方向，等到大家都处在了错误的地方，扭转就费力了。1988年6月，收集了当时已显现分歧的观念与看法，开设了“茶思想研讨”班，从制茶、识茶、泡茶、茶器、茶史、茶道、应用、推广诸方面讲解与讨论。

泡茶师检定考试每年一至二届地举办着，几年下来就会聚集不少的泡茶师。泡茶师是茶道老师的摇篮，台湾茶文化从1980年发展到1996年，茶道老师在各地的社区大学、文化中心，以及个人的茶道教室都有所需求。于是“师资讲座” 在1996年4月针对已取得泡茶师证书的人开班了。这个课程不同于分科教育，是一年期长时间的培养，每周上课一次，每次3小时，全期40周，共计120小时。课程含盖了基础课的九次内容，而且以能讲授茶艺讲座的课程作为师资培养的目标。

陆羽茶道教室的基础与分科教育都是采取一周上课二次，每次二小时的模式，因为这是社会人士较易做到的进修方法。一个班别一个班别地修习，有一天就可以把各种茶学课程学完。学完基础与分科的课程之后，有些茶友还会要求进一步的学习，于是属于高级课程的“泡茶研习班”在泡茶讲座之后的1999年10月开始招生, 每次以“车轮式泡茶练习法”进行泡茶的磨练，希望把茶汤泡得精准、把茶道的艺术境界表现出来。另外一个高级班是“评茶研习班”,在评茶讲座之后的2004年5月开设，它的培养目标放在成就一位评茶员，不但要能稳定地为数种茶的品质排序，还要在泡得不标准的情况下判断茶叶的好坏。

无我茶会在1990年正式推出，1991年开始加入到“泡茶讲座”的课程内（这时的泡茶讲座也改成了“茶法与茶会讲座”）。2003年3月，北京陆羽茶艺中心成立，新开班的“茶艺讲座”就在台北原有的课程上另加了一次无我茶会，而变成是九次课的基础班，台北在2003年11月也跟进。2007年8月，由于无我茶会已发展到成熟的阶段，而且随后在9月开校的天福茶学院（后改名为漳州科技学院）就要在茶文化系上开设2学分的无我茶会课程，所以名为“无我茶会”的独立班别在台北开始招生。

为了主动促进茶文化的发展，陆羽茶道教室不断开设了许多茶学相关课程，诸如2005年3月开始的“茶席之花”，2005年9月开始的“四序茶会”，2007年5月开始的“茶文艺讲座”（藉茶画、茶书法、茶诗、篆刻等培养审美的能力，尤其是抽象艺术），2007年10月开始的“香道”（香气的欣赏与应用），2009年3月开始的“日本茶道”（日本的抹茶法与煎茶法），2009年7月开始的专业英语(以茶文化术语的英译为主)，2009年10月开始的“陆羽茶经”（唐.陆羽《茶经》解读）。有些课程后来又增设了进阶班, 如茶席之花進阶班、无我茶会進阶班等。

为什么要关心台北陆羽茶道教室的课程变迁呢？因为该教室成立于茶文化复兴初期，到现在还继续进行着上述这些课程。到2013.08.14截止，最早的基础班“茶艺讲座”已办了458期，分科教育的泡茶讲座也办了123期，从它开设的班别与前后的顺序，我们可以理解茶文化教育，尤其是在民间发展的情形。

 

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無我茶會Sans Self Tea Gathering (Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony)Chapter 12 Promoting Sans Self Tea Gatherings and its Meaning-蔡荣章Rong-tsang Tsai

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《無我茶會Sans Self Tea Gathering (Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony)180條》

蔡荣章著Author:Rong-tsang Tsai

ISBN 978-957-9690-08-9,“无我茶会Sans Self Tea Gathering(Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony) 180” ,First edition: 1999.9, Second edition: 2010.9.《无我茶会180条》,1999.9第一版，2010.9第二版.台北陆羽茶艺股份有限公司.2012.05.20修订版.-English Translator : Katherine Yip,英语翻译：叶德明.

Chapter 12  Promoting Sans Self Tea Gatherings and its Meaning

156. How should we promote ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering’?

To promote Sans Self Tea Gathering, the Chinese International Sans Self Tea Gathering Promotion Association has engaged ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering Instructors’ and ‘Teachers of the Way of Tea’ to conduct classes and training at both permanent and ad hoc locations, while encouraging these teachers to introduce systematic ‘Classes on the Way of Tea’ at fixed venues. The curriculum covers not only Sans Self Tea Gathering but also other areas of the study of tea.

157. Incorporating Sans Self Tea Gathering into the curriculum of courses on the Way of Tea

Following the initial efforts in promoting Sans Self Tea Gathering, this unique form of tea gathering has been incorporated into the curriculum of various courses of the Way of Tea. Sans Self Tea Gatherings are organized the world over. 《Sans Self Tea Gathering: Tea Gathering as an artistic manifestation of the Way of Tea》is an elementary textbook for the teaching of Sans Self Tea Gathering.

158. Setting up ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering’ Community Centre

We wish that ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering’ Community Centre can be set up at different places for fellow tea drinkers to attend regularly-held Tea Gatherings. A weekly Sans Self Tea Gathering could be scheduled, and participants may get acquainted with each other before and after the tea gathering. Practices can be held regularly at the Community Centre when it is not used for hosting Sans Self Tea Gatherings. Similarly, the venue can be used for imparting knowledge about tea.

159. The importance of integrity to Sans Self Tea Gathering

The tea ware for Sans Self Tea Gathering can be of any design, which makes it simple for a beginner to put together a tea set for the occasion.  Meanwhile, a complete set of user-friendly tea ware not only boosts one’s interest but also the desire to acquire the necessary items when one has built up his confidence.

It is fine to prepare ten to twenty sets of spare tea ware for beginners for practice purposes, but the students must be asked to acquire their own set when they have reached a certain stage in course of practice.

160. Flexibility and Reach of Sans Self Tea Gathering

Sans Self Tea Gathering is a very flexible form of gathering. It encourages floor seating, thus eliminating the need of tables and chairs. Participants bring along their own tea ware, seating mat and boiled hot water. As such, it is possible to have the tea gatherings both indoors and outdoors.

For Sans Self Tea Gathering, there is no need of any event conductor or leader.  There is also practically no limit to the number of participants — it does not matter if some participants are blocked by buildings or knolls on site, or they spread across miles. Meanwhile, participants can offer tea to onlookers during a Sans Self Tea Gathering if this is intended for the event. For example, if there are 100 participants, and each brews four cups of tea for the onlookers, 400 onlookers will be served; and if each participant brews two rounds of four cups each, they will be brewing a total of 800 cups, which means that 800 onlookers will be served.  If the Organizer has arranged for a presenter, he will brief a substantial number of onlookers the nature of ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering’ and ‘the Way of Tea’ as the event progresses. The reach and spread that can be achieved by a Sans Self Tea Gathering needs no further illustration.

161. How could we highlight the style and characteristics of Sans Self Tea Gathering?

It is important to emphasize the characteristics of a Sans Self Tea Gathering as soon as you begin promoting it.  Make it clear that no one should speak once brewing starts, and there is no arrangement for guests to make speeches, etc. Otherwise, the special style of Sans Self Tea Gathering will be overlooked and undermined. If the Organizer fails to insist on the standard practice right from the start – for fear of the gathering becoming too serious – and allows fellow tea drinkers to engage in conversation while sipping tea and taking snacks, participants will think that there is no difference between Sans Self Tea Gathering and ordinary tea gathering, with the only exception being the loop formation and floor seating. This way, the unique characteristics of Sans Self Tea Gathering will become oblivious in due course.

 

To promote Sans Self Tea Gathering the way it should be, a clear understanding of the practice and meaning is essential. This is the only way to stay true to the format and convince participants and partners.  For example, if a co-organizer requests to have the person-in-charge of their company deliver a speech, explain to him that this is inappropriate. Or, the musician invited for the post-tea performance may think that a five-minute performance is too short and ask for a longer introduction, explain clearly the reason behind this arrangement. Such clarification is important to the promotion of Sans Self Tea Gathering.

162. Why is there no arrangement for VIP seating and speech of attending officials?

There is no special seating arrangement – in the midst, outside or inside the loop formation – for local celebrities or attending officials.  We welcome these guests to draw lots for seating and brewing as other participants. This is every way as appropriate as having these guests seated ‘apart from the rest’. If they are unable to brew with the others but like to learn more about or advocate such tea gatherings, invite them to stay outside of the loop formation and observe or be served tea like the other onlookers.

Likewise, speech-giving by the attending official would clash with the unique style of Sans Self Tea Gathering. Instead, invite the official to brew and serve tea along with the participants. This could be more impactful.  Our experience shows that the official would agree to substitute speech-giving with tea-brewing, provided we explain the procedure and meaning of Sans Self Tea Gathering in details. If he wants to give special  messages during the occasion, the Organizer may suggest to have him do so during the group photo session, or after the tea gathering, or during ‘post event activities’.

163. Why don’t we have background music during a Sans Self Tea Gathering？

No music is played or being performed throughout a Sans Self Tea Gathering –  from the time when registration begins to packing up – because it may weaken the ‘flavour’ of such a unique tea gathering and does not serve the purpose of music appreciation.  Some people may think that background music can contribute to the atmosphere; the reality is, music can be a source of distraction; this would be worse if the songs are familiar to us. Without music, we will channel all our attention to tea, brewing, interpersonal relationship and the spirit of the tea gathering. This way, the style of Sans Self Tea Gathering will become more prominent, and the impact of the Way of Tea on everyone present will be stronger.

 

Music can be introduced after the last cup of tea to accentuate the ‘beauty of the void’. At this juncture, everyone at the tea gathering can sit back and listen to the music, while relishing the aftertaste of the tea. If more time for music appreciation is preferred, the Organizer may allocate a longer period for music performance as part of the ‘post-event activities’.

164.  ‘Post-tea activities’ would best be carried out by participants

Organizing a Sans Self Tea Gatherings should be hassle-free.  It is important to keep administration to a minimum; there are no specially-appointed organizing team members – tasks are shared by fellow tea drinkers (with the exception of special tasks such as video filming).  By the same token, it would be best if participants are responsible for post-tea activities. They may stay in their respective places, or move slightly to the side where the musical instrument is, and sing or play a piece of music. This is the easiest way to fulfil the intention of illustrating the ‘beauty of the void’ because the performers are also participants.

165. Organizing a promotional Sans Self Tea Gathering

Any quiet place will be good for a Sans Self Tea Gathering among friends. However, if a Sans Self Tea Gathering is to be organized to create awareness among members of the public, it is advisable to find a popular spot with a lot of traffic. It is essential to have a presenter at promotional Sans Self Tea Gathering; otherwise, onlookers would be at a loss. Meanwhile, it would be more effective to get onlookers warm up to the idea of Sans Self Tea Gathering if they will be offered tea.

To enhance the effect of a Sans Self Tea Gathering where the public will be briefed, prepare a set of written information introducing this form of gathering, including places where those interested can take relevant lessons. It is even better if the Organizer can include a ‘trial’ tea gathering at the end of the tea gathering. Find out how many people are interested, and assign one participant as mentor to each person interested. These mentors would lend their sets of tea ware to the newcomers. As the presenter explains the procedure, the newcomers will practise with the help of their mentors by the side. This is ideal as the newcomers can put into practice – with readily-available tea ware –what they saw and heard a while ago. Pre-event preparation would be necessary. The Organizer should remind participants to bring one extra flask of hot water (or have hot water refill on site), an additional cup (or have paper cups for everyone), and put more tealeaves in the teapot (the same tealeaves can be used for brewing during this trial round).

166. Application of Sans Self Tea Gathering for other occasions

Sans Self Tea Gathering is an occasion when tea is used as a means to get together. It can also be adopted in the following ways:

a. As a teaching method for ‘tea identification’ in the study of the Way of  Tea. For example, the teacher will divide students into groups of four and ask each one in a group to bring along a certain kind of tea. Adopting the format the Sans Self Tea Gathering, each member of a group will serve the tea brewed with tealeaves he has brought along. As the end, each member of a group would have sampled and learned about the characteristic of each of the four teas.

b. As a form of practice for brewing in the study of the Way of Tea.  For example, the teacher will bring along, or ask the students to bring along a particular tea, with which everyone will practice brewing according to the format of Sans Self Tea Gathering. This way, each student will be able to drink four cups of the same kind of tea (assuming each serves four cups) and assess if each cup is well brewed or poorly brewed.

c. As a form of engagement or wedding ceremony.  The time for ‘Tea Ware Appreciation and Networking’ session can be used for the engagement or wedding ceremony, after which the newly-wed couple can brew with fellow tea drinkers.  The bride and groom serve tea to each other’s parents; while other participants serve tea according to the agreed conditions of Sans Self Tea Gathering (The seats of the bride and groom are considered those of non-brewers). ‘Serving tea to onlookers’ is effectively serving tea to guests attending the ceremony.  Post-tea activities could be singing by friends and relatives, and the tea gathering may or may not be followed by a wedding banquet.  What’s being advocated by Sans Self Tea Gathering can be applied to marriage, and adopting the tea gathering as a form of wedding ceremony is both symbolic and appropriate.

d. The tea gathering can also be held in memory of a person.  For this purpose, The time for ‘Tea Ware Appreciation and Networking’ session can be used for ‘paying tribute to a person ’, followed by participants offering their first cup of tea to the subject of tribute. After this, tea could be offered to fellow tea drinkers or other participants of the memorial gathering. Post-tea activities could be chanting or group singing of remembrance. Such arrangement enables the subject of tribute to take the same cup of tea with everyone present – and ‘drinking literally from the same cup’ makes the occasion so much more touching and memorable.

167. ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering’ in English, Japanese and Korean

Sans Self Tea Gathering is known as 「無我茶會」in Chinese, Japanese and Korean, as  the Chinese-, Japanese- and Korean-speaking  audiences can readily recognized the term. In English, this unique form of tea gathering was first translated as Anatman Tea Convention, followed by Wu-wo Tea Ceremony. In spring 2012, we decided to rephrase it to ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering’, given the fact that the tea gathering celebrates the realization of ‘無’, literally ‘the absence of’ or ‘void’. ‘無我’ should be understood as ‘I who understand the idea of nothingness’. Sans, an archaic French word meaning ‘without’, has been made popular by some of the greatest literary works through the ages, including William Shakespeare’s comedy “As You Like It”. To call it a tea gathering, instead of a tea ceremony, is to better reflect its nature as the founders see it.

168. What is the International ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering’ Organization?

Tea drinkers in different countries and regions have undertaken to promote Sans Self Tea Gathering. They take turn to host large scale ‘International Sans Self Tea Gathering’ at regular intervals at agreed locations. The Organizer of an international Sans Self Tea Gathering is the Sans Self Tea Gathering Organization of the country or region. The Leaders’ Convention of an International Sans Self Tea Gathering is the occasion when member organizations of the International Sans Self Tea Gathering Organization meet up to discuss issues pertaining to the promotion of Sans Self Teat Gathering and the host of the upcoming event.

169. Is there a need of a standardized flag and anthem for the Sans Self Tea Gathering?

We had introduced a flag and an anthem for Sans Self Tea Gathering when it was first launched. These are still used in certain countries and regions. However, they have not been stated as the standardized flag and anthem, because we do not regard this an important issue.

170. What is the meaning behind ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering’ ?

‘Sans Self Tea Gathering’ is a way of thinking and a form of tea gathering pertaining to the study of tea. ‘Sans Self’ should be understood as ‘I who understand the idea of nothingness’. Only in the state of ‘nothingness’ can ‘something’ be born. One can hardly attain wellbeing if one’s mind is preoccupied with wealth, fame, status, beauty and endless chores. The state of nothingness is neither a state of ignorance nor death.  An analogy of such a state will be the colourless light which is effectively a convergence of different colours. The colours in our life are distilled by ‘tea’; this enables us to enter into a state with an ‘absence of colours’.

171. Sans Self Tea Gathering for one to thousands and millions of participants

Sans Self Tea Gathering may have begun with one person.  When a person brews and enjoys tea with no disturbance or distraction, it is more likely that he can savour the taste of tea, understand the brewing process, contemplate how a brewer’s state of mind affects the taste of tea, calm himself and come face to face with his true self. In fact, we encourage everyone to take tea alone, and look upon this as the basis of the Way of Tea.

When you have a clear idea of what it is like having tea on your own, you may invite your closest friend and ‘have both drinking tea alone’ –  the two of you will brew tea on your own, serve each other tea, all in silence. A deeper understanding between you two can be achieved in the course of brewing, serving and drinking tea. As distraction is kept to the minimum, you will understand each other better. You will be able to experience more and learn the way to staying quiet in others’ presence. When you have achieved an understanding of a state of nothingness in the presence of another person, you may proceed to invite a small group of three to five good friends, and introduce them to this way of having tea. Practise the Way of Tea together in the spirit of ‘emptiness and solitude’. Feel the tranquility and freedom in the midst of a larger group. This way, the number of people for a Sans Self Tea Gathering can reach thousands and millions.

 

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第十二章 無我茶會的推廣-蔡荣章

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《無我茶會Sans Self Tea Gathering 180條》

蔡荣章著Author:Rong-tsang Tsai

ISBN978-957-9690-08-9 “无我茶会Sans Self Tea Gathering180,” First edition: 1999.9, Second edition: 2010.9《无我茶会180条》1999.9第一版 2010.9第二版 台北陆羽茶艺股份有限公司.2012.05.20修订版-English Translator : Katherine Yip英语翻译：叶德明

第十二章 無我茶會的推廣

156.「無我茶會」推廣工作如何進行

為推廣無我茶會，臺灣的「中華國際無我茶會推廣協會」在各地設置有「無我茶會指導老師」與「茶道老師」，從事定點與非定點式的教育與訓練。並鼓勵茶道老師進而設置定點的「茶道教室」，有計劃地開班授課，除了無我茶會的課程外，還可以延伸至其他茶學領域。

157.將無我茶會列入茶道教育課程

隨著無我茶會的普遍推展，無我茶會已逐漸被列入各茶道教育的課程之中，無我茶會的舉辦也自行在世界各地進行。這本《無我茶會Sans Self Tea Gathering—茶人的茶會作品》即為無我茶會的基本教材。

158.「無我茶會道場」的設置

我們希望「無我茶會道場」在各地方設置，作為茶友們定期舉辦無我茶會的場所，每週固定時間都有一場無我茶會，茶會前後是大家聯誼的時間。定期無我茶會之外的時間則作為無我茶會演練場所，並可從事其他茶學教育。

159.無我茶會茶具完整性的重要

無我茶會的茶具並沒有要求一定的款式，所以每人不難湊出一套可用的茶具，但在初學階段，一套完整好用的茶具是很重要的，一方面引起興趣，二方面在信心建立後比較願意花心思去購置必需的設備。

所以各訓練單位不妨預備一、二十套無我茶會的茶具供初學者練習時使用，但規定在一定階段後就必須自己購置。

160.無我茶會的機動性與擴充性

無我茶會鼓勵席地而坐，所以無需桌椅，茶具、坐墊、開水都是每人自備，不論室內外，不論國內外，到處可以舉辦，是機動性很強的一種茶會形式。

無我茶會無需指揮，所以隊形拉得多長多遠皆無所謂，甚至於中間被一棟建築或一座小山擋住也無妨，人數可以無限制地擴充。無我茶會還可以奉茶給圍觀的人，一百人泡茶、每人奉四杯茶給圍觀的人，就有四百個圍觀的人可以喝到茶；若每人奉八杯茶（分二次）給圍觀的人，就有八百個圍觀的人可以喝到茶。這個時段若設有解說員從旁解說，很容易地就可以讓那麼多圍觀的人瞭解何謂「無我茶會」、何謂「茶道」。所以說無我茶會是擴充性、傳播力很強的一種茶會形式。

161.如何使無我茶會的風格與特性凸顯出來

一開始推動時，就要將無我茶會的幾項特殊做法，如開始泡茶後不准說話，不設貴賓致詞等徹底表現出來，否則大家不容易體會到無我茶會的獨特風格。例如推廣初期，有個單位不敢徹底要求，怕茶友們認為太嚴肅，就允許大家聊天，並且一邊喝茶一邊吃零食，結果大家覺得與一般茶友的聚會沒有什麼兩樣，還是聊聊天、吃吃東西，只不過是圍成一圈席地而坐罷了，以後也就不了了之。

要有效地推動無我茶會，就要徹底瞭解無我茶會的諸多特殊做法與其意義，如此才有勇氣徹底執行，也才能夠說服參加者及配合各項活動的人們。例如聯合主辦的其中一個單位要求泡茶之前讓他們的主管說幾分鐘的話，您如何說服他那是不適當的。例如您邀請於品茗後從事音樂演奏的音樂家，認為五分鐘太短了，而且要求做番介紹，您如何將「為什麼如此安排」的道理完善地表達出來，這些都是推動無我茶會很重要的準備工作。

162.無我茶會為什麼不設貴賓席與長官致詞的時間

無我茶會不在圍成圈圈的座位上設置貴賓席供地方知名人士或長官就坐，也不在圈外或圈內設置這樣的席位。我們歡迎地方人士與長官與大家一起抽籤泡茶，而且這樣所顯現的效果絕不輸給「一旁就坐」。如果他們無法一起泡茶，但有心瞭解或鼓勵這樣的茶會，我們歡迎，但請他們與其他圍觀者一樣，站在圈外觀看或接受奉茶。

同樣道理，在茶會間安排長官致詞，不但與無我茶會的風格不一致，而且效果也沒有讓這位長官一起泡茶、奉茶的好。依過去的經驗，只要有耐心地將無我茶會的做法及其意義說明給這位長官瞭解，他都同意改致詞為參與泡茶。如果另外需要傳達一些訊息，可以在會後全體合影的時候撥出一點時間給他，或在茶會之後，另外為他安排一場「會後活動」。

163.無我茶會進行間為什麼不放音樂

無我茶會進行間，從報到到收拾茶具、結束茶會，是不播放音樂或有人從旁演奏音樂的，因為這樣做徒然減弱茶會的「茶味」，也無益於音樂欣賞。有人認為若播放音樂相襯，氣氛會更好，但事實上，是部分心情與部分注意力轉移到音樂上去而已，若是一首大家熟悉的樂曲，更是厲害；如果沒有了音樂，大家的精神全神貫注在茶上、泡茶上、人我關係上、茶會的精神上，無我茶會的風格會更加凸顯，人們被茶道感染的效果會更加強烈。

與音樂的搭配是放在喝完最後一道茶的「空白之美」上，這時大家放下一切，專心聆聽音樂，回憶茶味。如果尚需要增加音樂欣賞的時間，可在茶會結束後作為「會後活動」來安排。

164.「品茗後活動」演出人員最好也是參加無我茶會的人

無我茶會舉辦起來要很輕鬆、自然才好，儘量將行政工作化為無形。所以無所謂專任的工作人員，一切工作都由參加茶會的茶友來分擔（除了攝錄影等特殊的任務）。基於這項理念，品茗後活動的演出最好也是由參加茶會的茶友擔任。泡完茶，就在原地或移動到鄰座放樂器的地方，或高歌，或演奏一段樂曲。這樣的安排，其空白之美的效果最容易掌握，因為演出的人就是喝茶的人。

165.推廣性無我茶會的舉辦

如果只是一群朋友相聚，找個寧靜的地方舉辦茶會便罷，如果為讓更多的人知道，並進而能一起參與無我茶會，那就要找個有眾多人群的公共場所舉辦。推廣性無我茶會必須設有解說人員，否則圍觀的人看不懂這群人在做些什麼，若能同時奉茶給圍觀的人，更能將大家融成一體。

設有對外解說的無我茶會，最好能提供大家一分書面資料，上面有無我茶會簡介，並告訴大家什麼地方可以學習到這樣的茶道知識。若能在茶會之後舉辦一場練習性無我茶會則效果更佳，方法是公開徵求願意參與練習的人，有多少人參加，無我茶會的茶友就多少人當指導老師，一個搭配一個，將全套茶具借給新人使用。解說員一面解說，練習的人即一面操作，指導老師從旁協助。由於有茶具，而且剛才方看過、聽過一次，這樣學習的效果會很好。只不過事先要有所準備，如要求大家多帶一支熱水瓶（或現場可以補充熱水）、多帶一份杯子（或統一以紙杯代替）、茶葉多放一些入壺（繼續沖泡原來的茶葉即可，若茶葉多放一些，練習時還可以繼續使用）等。

166.無我茶會在其他場合的應用

無我茶會除了作為大家以茶會友的一種聚會方式外，尚可在下列場合中使用：

a.茶道教學中，作為「各種茶之認識」的教學方法。例如每四個人一組，每人帶老師事先約定的一種茶，奉茶時改為每組四人以無我茶會的方式輪流供茶。這樣每人就可以喝到、認識到四種茶。

b.茶道教學中，作為“泡茶練習”的方式之一。例如統一帶某種茶，或由老師統一提供茶葉，依無我茶會標準方式奉茶。這樣每人就可以喝到、體會到泡得好或壞的四杯茶（假設每人泡四杯）。

c.以無我茶會作為訂婚或結婚的方式。「茶具觀摩與聯誼」的時間改為訂婚或結婚的儀式，然後新人與茶友一起泡茶，新娘新郎奉茶給對方父母，其他的人依無我茶會事先的約定奉茶（新娘新郎的位子視為不泡茶者），「奉茶給圍觀來賓」時則是奉茶給其他參加典禮的親友。品茗後活動可以改為親友合唱團的禮贊，茶會結束後進行餐會（或逕行結束）。無我茶會的許多理念是可以應用到婚姻生活中的，以無我茶會作為婚姻的儀式有其積極意義。

d.以無我茶會作為紀念某人的方式。這時的「茶具觀摩與聯誼」時間可以改為「紀念事項的陳述」，接著第一道首杯全奉給所要追念的人，以後才奉給圈內的茶友或其他參加追念的人，品茗後活動可以改為追念性的吟詩或合唱。這種紀念方式讓大家與所追憶的人共飲一杯茶，此種「一飲同心」的體會將使紀念活動更為感人。

167.「無我茶會」的英、日、韓譯

在中、日、韓三種語文裡，「無我茶會」都可以通用，大家也都看得懂，在英文裡，最早譯為Anatman Tea Convention, 後改為音譯的Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony, 2012年春，我們決定將無我茶會的英譯定為“Sans Self Tea Gathering”。 茶會的意義著重於對“無”的體悟，無我應被解釋為“懂得無的我”。sans 一詞取自於莎士比亞劇作《皆大歡喜》，原為法文，是“無”的意思，gathering取其聚會之意，這樣比較接近創建者對“無我茶會”的詮釋。

168.什麼是「無我茶會」的國際組織

無我茶會由茶友在各國與各地推展，並定期在某個國家或地區輪流舉辦大型的「國際無我茶會」，承接國或地區的無我茶會組織即為主辦單位。每屆國際無我茶會的領隊會議就是無我茶會的國際組織，討論有關推展事宜，並決定下屆承辦的單位。

169.無我茶會需要統一的會旗與會歌嗎

無我茶會在創辦時設有會旗與會歌，也有些國家與地區延用，但沒有將之設定為統一的會旗與會歌，因為那並不是很重要的。

170.「無我茶會」的字面意義是什麼

「無我茶會」是一種茶道思想、一種茶會形式的名稱，無我應被解釋為〝懂得無的我〞。「無」中才可以生「有」，心中充滿了財富、名譽、地位、美麗與忙碌，幸福無從產生。無我的無也不是白癡、不是死亡，而是有如光線的無，乃由七彩融合而成，紛雜的生命色彩藉「茶」將之純化為無。

171.一人到千萬人的無我茶會

無我茶會是從一人獨飲演化而來。一人中規中矩地泡茶，然後一人獨自品飲，由於沒有他人的干擾，最易體會茶味，最易瞭解泡茶過程、泡茶心情之影響茶味，最易讓自己安定下來，最易看清楚自己。所以我們鼓勵大家獨飲，甚至於認為獨飲是茶道之始。

當您能掌握自己一人獨飲的狀況後，再邀請您最親密的朋友一起「二人獨飲」，兩人靜靜泡茶，泡好茶，我給你一杯、你給我一杯。從靜靜地泡茶、奉茶、喝茶間，逐漸加深彼此的交流，由於降低了其他的干擾，彼此會看得更清楚、體會得更多，而且學會與別人一起安靜。熟悉了兩人的「無我」，開始邀集三五好友，將這種喝茶方式介紹給他們，與他們一起練習「空寂」之下的茶道，也學習多人之下的寧靜與自在，就這樣逐漸增加人數，直到千萬人。

 

  (1726)

無我茶會Sans Self Tea Gathering (Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony)-Chapter10Problem Solving-蔡荣章Rong-tsang Tsai

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《無我茶會Sans Self Tea Gathering (Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony)180條》

蔡荣章著Author:Rong-tsang Tsai

ISBN 978-957-9690-08-9,“无我茶会Sans Self Tea Gathering(Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony) 180” ,First edition: 1999.9, Second edition: 2010.9.《无我茶会180条》,1999.9第一版，2010.9第二版.台北陆羽茶艺股份有限公司.2012.05.20修订版.-English Translator : Katherine Yip,英语翻译：叶德明.

Chapter 10  Problem Solving for Sans Self Tea Gathering(Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony)

128 How do we remedy the situation if an error occurs when tea is served?

Each participant is expected to know all the rules of a Sans Self Tea Gathering by heart. But errors do occur. Rectify the situation where possible if this does not disrupt the progress of the tea gathering. Leave it the way it is if you are not sure how to set it right, or if doing so will undermine the event flow. For example, your fellow participant has misplaced the cup served to you. All you need to do is to gesture him to move the cup back to the right position. This is considered a correctable error. However, if the person has mixed up the person to be served, which is hard to set right without disturbing the progress, then just let it be and consider this an uncorrectable error.

129. What if you are served one cup less?

You may start drinking when you have returned to your place after serving the others, and when your fellow participants have finished serving tea to you. However, if you have waited for an extended period, and there is yet one cup to be filled, then you may want to start drinking to avoid lagging behind. Sometimes, the other party may have taken too much time serving, or he may have simply made a mistake. It is more important to keep pace with the progress.

130. What if I can’t finish pouring the tea I have brewed and there is some left behind?

The amount of water for each brew is determined by the number and size of the cups you have brought along (as well as the ones provided by the organizer for serving onlookers). Calculation has to be done beforehand to ensure there is no surplus or shortage of tea. If the amount of water falls short, or the teapot is too small, then pour a little less tea into each cup. Conversely, if there is too much tea and can’t be finished in one round, then keep it till the next. If there is still some left behind at the end of the last round, just take it yourself.

Some people prefer to bring this surplus infusion home in the thermal flask; the problem is, it is hard to eliminate the smell of tea afterwards.  Some people may keep this surplus infusion in the upturned cap of the thermal flask, and pour it away when the tea gathering ends; others may even pour the infusion away there and then if the gathering is held in the countryside.  None of these ways are advisable; the fact that you have made an effort to brew well makes the infusion ‘precious’.  Discarding it would go against the intention to serve the best brew possible. Just bear in mind that controlling the amount of tea infusion and brew well is very important; should there be any infusion left behind, the best way is to take it yourself.

131. If the tea infusion is too difficult to stomach, what should I do?

When the tea is described as ‘difficult to stomach’, it probably means that the tea is too strong for the palate.  If this is the case, and the infusion is bearably strong, just drink it. You may also dilute it with some water if you worry that you body may not be able to take it because of the concentrated strength.  If the cup is filled to the brim, you may pour half of the infusion into a cup you have finished drinking from and add water to the infusion.

Such a cup of tea reminds us that we should make it a point to brew well and spare the others of the frustration. In any  case, if you have made an effort to bring along the tea, tea ware and hot water for brewing and serving, but come up with a brew that is ‘too difficult to stomach’, it will be a disgrace to not only you but also the tea.

132. If I attend the tea gathering but am not able to take tea on the day, what should I do?

This is rare and very unlikely. Having said that, there may be people who ‘are not tea drinkers but enjoy such an activity’; or, someone may not want to take tea at this juncture out of health considerations. If this is the case, fill each cup with hot water after taking the first brew.  This sends the signal to fellow participants that you would not be taking any more tea. If you are not able to take even the first brew, just leave the cups of tea as they are at the original spots. When it time to wipe the cups after the last brew, pour the tea infusion in each cup into the upturned cap of the thermal flask and discard it when the tea gathering is over.

Sans Self Tea Gathering is an activity of tea aficionados that promotes the Way of Tea. A ‘love of tea’ is essential in nurturing an enjoyment of this ‘activity’. If one enjoys the ‘activity’ but lacks a ‘love of tea’, he will be taking away the aura of ‘nothingness’ that makes a Sans Self Tea Gathering so special.

 

133. What should I do if the previous cup served has not been taken when I am about to serve the second brew?

When you serve with the ‘pitcher’ (or ‘spouted tea bowl’ for powdered tea) after finishing brewing for a second round, you discover that the first cup you served has not been taken. What should you do? At this juncture, observe and decide if the person has yet to do so, or he does not want to take it anymore.  If he is about to finish the cup when you show up, you may wait for a little while. If he does not want to drink, then there is no need to offer tea to him.  Consider health condition rather than the quality of the brew as the primary reason for his declining the offer.

The situation would have been handled differently if we are serving tea at home. Teachers of the Way of Tea would advise us to ask, “Would you like a cup of freshly-brewed tea?” If your guest agrees to this, pour away the tea which has become cold into the crucible, and refill the cup with some fresh brew. As the spirit and act of ‘frugality’ is embraced by the Sans Self Tea Gatherings, such follow-up offers are not promoted.

134. What if there is still tea infusion in the cup when I come to collect it?

A Sans Self Tea Gathering could be organized in honour of a dedicated person or occasion known as ‘an identified target’, to whom or to which the first cup of the first brew would be offered. One can drink the tea after collecting the cup if the infusion remains not taken at the end of the gathering. For Sans Self Tea Gatherings in general, however, any infusion not taken is considered the responsibility of the person to whom the tea is offered, in the sense that he is the one to clear the teacup of any content even if the tea infusion, for some reasons (such as the brew is too difficult to stomach, too much to finish or being left there out of oversight), remains in the cup when it is time for cup collection. What if the other party has overlooked this rule of a Sans Self Tea Gathering when you turn up to collect the cup? Just take your cup back and pour the infusion into the upturned cap of the thermal flask, and discard it after you have packed the tea ware (you may also pour it away at a suitable spot if the tea gathering is held in the countryside). It pays to find out if it has something to do with poor brewing or other reasons.

135. Is there anything I can do if the tea is not brewed to perfection?

Brewing a good pot of tea is a must for anyone serious about tea. Do the necessary if you notice that the tea infusion is either too strong or too weak before you serve – if the infusion is too weak, you may pour it back into the pot and steep a little longer; if the infusion is too strong, you may add some hot water to the infusion. If the infusion is far too strong and you want to dilute it but the tea pitcher is already full, you may pour a cup first and keep it for yourself. Take others’ tea first, pour half of the strong infusion into one of the emptied cups and add water to dilute.

If you are not sure whether the infusion is too weak or too strong when you pour the tea, you may pour some into your own cup first and try it to make sure it is of the desired strength.

136. If I don’t have enough water for brewing, or there is clearly too little tea infusion, what should I do?

Both scenarios may be attributed to inadequate preparation, or an unexpected increase of cups to be offered to onlookers. When you notice that there is not enough water for brewing during the last round, and there is no supply of hot water on site, you may gently ask the neighbours on your left and right if they have some to spare. If you have finished brewing and discover that there is a lot less infusion than you intend to serve, and the shortage could not be made up by simply having less infusion for each cup, you may need to brew one more time; the amount water would have to be adjusted according to what is needed. In this case, the two rounds of brewing would combine to make one brew.

137. May I offer a cup to my neighbour in the opposite direction?

In the event that there is still some infusion left in the pitcher after serving, you want to know if you could pour some tea into an emptied cup of your neighbour whom you want to get acquainted with but in the opposite direction (for instance, the neighbour to your right, if it is agreed to serve fellow participants to your left).  By the same token, you want to know whether you could offer a cup to a senior some distance away whom you want to introduce yourself to. The answer is ‘no’, given the fact that each activity has its own rules and restrictions instrumental to its success.

138. Concerns about hygiene for teacups

Each participant of Sans Self Tea Gathering brings along his own tealeaves and tea ware.  At the gathering, everyone brews, and takes tea brewed and offered in teacups by fellow participants. This has prompted some doubt about hygiene. Some people have come up with ideas about alternative arrangement. They suggest that one’s teacups be placed at one’s own ‘tea serving area’, and fellow participants pour tea into the teacups using tea pitchers (or spouted tea bowls). While this may allay worries about ‘the cleanliness of others’ teacups’; it will nonetheless create unnecessary distance among participants which should not be the case.  Come to think about it, human interaction is not as clinically hygienic as we imagine it to be – we shake hands with each other and we hug each other ever so often. What Sans Self Tea Gathering advocates is a natural and truthful flow of feeling among individuals; and hence the particular way of tea serving. Having said that, we should make sure the cups, tea ware, our hands and body are clean before attending the tea gathering.  Equally important are quality tealeaves and clean water for brewing.  At the tea gathering, we use the best of our knowledge and skill in brewing a good pot.  Not to be forgotten is a pleasant disposition and positive mindset to make you a great person to be with.

139. Could we find out the name of the tea we are served? And utter some words of praise if appropriate?

Sans Self Tea Gathering is to proceed in silence and no one should speak. As such, you should not try to find out what kind of tealeaves it is when you are enjoying the tea. But it would be hard to have the question hovering in your mind throughout the event, wouldn’t it? This is why you should focus on the brew without bothering about its name.  Likewise, when we offer tea to, say, the first, third and fifth fellow participants to our left, we do not need to know their names. We do not need to know the name of the mountain to appreciate its grandeur, nor the name of the cloud to appreciate its ethereal beauty. But if you just happen to know that the cup of tea was brewed by a certain participant, it is acceptable for you approach him after the tea gathering and find out more about his brew. Furthermore, if the brew is a very good one, it is perfectly fine to let the person know by way of praising. Tea drinking will become a chore if you keep bothering yourself about the name of the brew and its respective brewer, or reminding yourself how poor the brew is.

140. After offering the last brew, would it be possible for me to approach the tea guru I revere for his brew?

There were past incidents where participants went up to meet a certain tea guru after offering the last brew.  It might have started with just one participant, but before long, others followed suit until the crowd disrupted the procedure of the rest of the tea gathering. This was brought up during the post-event review, and it was felt that such disruption should be stopped. It is understood that the opportunities to get up close and personal with famed tea gurus may be difficult to come by; but this is best done during the ‘tea ware appreciation and networking’ session, or the ‘post-event activities’. One should bear in mind that in this case, reverence shown to some could be the cause of suffering, inconvenience and unpleasant experience of the others. This is certainly what tea aficionados would not want to happen.

 

141. Is it fine to exchange tea ware with fellow participants at the end of the tea gathering?

At the end of the Sans Self Tea Gatherings held over the past few years, some participants were seen exchanging tea ware as mementoes. At the beginning of the post-event review session, some people thought this was quite meaningful, especially for tea gatherings with international participants. As the discussion progressed, there were more and more opposing voices — they worried that if this becomes a trend, participants would have to make great mental effort in choosing the tea ware in case they need to exchange it with fellow participants.  While tea ware which has long been in one’s possession may not be highly-priced physically, it could have great emotional value, and the possibility of parting with it during a tea gathering could put one in distress. With this in mind, it is agreed that there should not be any exchange of tea ware during a Sans Self Tea Gathering.

142. Is it permissible to ask a few friends to stay back for more brews when the tea gathering is over?

Seating arrangement of a Sans Self Tea Gathering is decided by random drawing. As a result, friends and old acquaintances may not be sitting next to each other. Some of them tend to stay back after the tea gathering and continue to make more tea together.  This may create the impression that they only enjoy each other’s company and were forced to offer tea to other participants just now.

It is natural that people sit with their friends if not for seating arrangement by random drawing; for international events, people from the same country or region will certainly frock together. And yet, this would not have any contribution to the spirit of a Sans Self Tea Gathering. The tea gathering may be a picture of harmony free from national divides, ideological differences and personal relationship; but the small circles emerged after the event would surely defeat the purpose of a tea gathering that is supposed to be ‘san self’. Considering this, the organizer would not approve of any self-formed groups staying behind for more brews.

143. Is beverage other than tea allowed during Sans Self Tea Gatherings?

A ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering’ is the expression of the unique characteristics of ‘tea’ in the form of a tea gathering.  It is certainly not an occasion that picks ‘tea’ as the beverage of choice. To fully appreciate the spirit of a ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering’, the ‘love of tea’ is imperative.  It will be superficial and manipulative if one adopts its format and rules without the tea.

As such, non-tea beverage is not advisable. However, there is no restriction as to the type of tea used, and whether it is flavoured or floral-scented.

  (2118)

第十章 茶會間衍生的問題-蔡荣章

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《無我茶會Sans Self Tea Gathering(Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony) 180條》

蔡荣章著Author:Rong-tsang Tsai

ISBN978-957-9690-08-9 “无我茶会Sans Self Tea Gathering(Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony)180,” First edition: 1999.9, Second edition: 2010.9《无我茶会180条》1999.9第一版 2010.9第二版 台北陆羽茶艺股份有限公司.2012.05.20修订版-English Translator : Katherine Yip英语翻译：叶德明

第十章 茶會間衍生的問題

128.奉茶方法發生了錯誤怎麼辦

我們希望每位參加無我茶會的人都熟知茶會的規則，但若臨時發生錯誤，在不影響大會順利進行下，可修正就修正，不知如何修正，或修正會影響茶會正常運作時就不修正。例如前來奉茶的人把杯子放錯地方，用手筆劃一下，他就意會到了，這是可修正的狀況；若這個人連奉茶的對象都弄錯了，而且不是一下子可以調整過來的，就讓它去了，這是不修正的狀況。

129.別人奉給您的茶少了一杯，怎麼辦

出去奉完茶回座位，等別人奉過來的茶到齊後，就可以開始飲用，但等了半天還是少一杯，眼看進度就要落後了，這時就不要再等了，可能對方的動作太慢，也可能弄錯了，為顧全大局，先把茶喝了，繼續前面的進度。

130.所泡的茶倒不完怎麼辦

每一道茶的沖水量要以自己所帶杯子（及奉茶給圍觀者的杯子）的數量與大小而定，使能一次恰好倒滿所需的杯數與份量，若沖水太少，或茶壺太小，則每杯少倒一些，若沖泡的茶量太多，一次奉不完，可留待下次再奉，若已到了最後一道，只好自己將它喝掉。

有些人將奉不完的茶倒於熱水瓶帶回去，這樣熱水瓶內的茶味不容易清除；有些人將之倒於熱水瓶的外蓋上，茶會結束後拿去倒掉；若在野外泡茶，有人直接將它倒掉。以上這些處理方法都不好，畢竟茶是您用心帶來，且盡全力將之泡好，用以呈獻給茶友們的「珍貴之物」，這樣糟蹋，總與前面奉茶心意格格不入。所以用心地把茶泡好，把茶量控制好，萬一多出來了，將它喝掉，是比較妥當的做法。

131.遇到自己喝不下的茶怎麼辦

這裡所指的「喝不下」大概是指泡得太濃、難以下口，若只是量太多，喝了頂多肚子撐一些而已，不至於「喝不下」。若遇到泡得太濃，在可以忍受的情況下，還是喝了。如果擔心身體會因此不舒服，可加些水稀釋，如果杯子倒得滿滿的，無法稀釋，可倒一半到已喝過的杯子再補白水。

喝了這樣的茶，應更加要求自己把茶泡好，免得同樣給別人造成困擾，而且辛辛苦苦地帶茶、帶茶具、帶熱水來泡茶、來奉茶，居然還泡得別人喝不下去，如何對「自己」、對「茶」交代？

132.今天不能喝茶，但又參加了茶會，怎麼辦

這是很特殊的例子，不容易發生，但也不排除「並不是愛茶，只是愛這樣的活動」的人參加，或是因為身體的關係，這段時間不宜喝茶。遇到這種狀況，可在喝完第一道茶後，把每只杯子都用熱水佔滿，這樣別人前來奉茶時，就知道您不能再喝了。若連第一道茶都不能喝，那就將茶原封不動地放著，到了大家喝完最後一道茶，要擦杯子時，把每杯茶倒於熱水瓶的外蓋上，茶會結束後拿去倒掉。

無我茶會是一群愛茶人的茶道活動，「愛茶」是喜愛這項活動的根本要素，純粹只是愛茶的「活動」，無我茶會將失去它之所以為「無」的光彩。

133.奉茶時，發現自己的前一杯茶尚未被喝掉，怎麼辦

泡完第二道以後的茶，持「盅」（或泡末茶時的「有流茶碗」）出去奉茶，發現自己的前一杯茶尚未被喝掉，這時若被奉者也在座，應觀察是還來不及喝呢，還是已不想再喝？如果還來不及喝，等它一下，若不想再喝，就不要奉茶給他了。這時不要只想到是自己把茶泡壞了，別人喝不下去，應考慮到或許是因為對方身體不適的關係。

如果是在家裡待客，遇到這種情形，茶道老師會教我們問對方一下：「還想要喝一杯新泡的茶嗎？」對方如果說要，那就備一只水盂，把原來那杯已變冷了的茶倒掉，再為他倒一杯新的茶。但在無我茶會的場合，因為它的行為、精神基礎在「儉約」，所以不再有這段後續的動作。

134.收杯時，遇到剩有茶湯怎麼辦

為「特定對象」而舉辦的無我茶會，第一道茶的第一杯都會奉給「特定對象」，這杯茶如果未被喝掉，在收回後是自己將它喝掉。但如果是一般性的無我茶會，收杯時，遇到剩有茶湯，那是屬於對方的問題，如何說呢？因為不論是難喝、喝不完、忘了喝……，都應該將茶杯清出來，以便別人收回去，但如果確是遇到了剩有茶湯怎麼辦？就當他未弄清無我茶會的遊戲規則，將杯子收回，將茶湯倒於熱水瓶的外蓋上（野外泡茶時，直接倒於不影響的地方），收拾好茶具後再拿去倒掉。但檢討自己是不是把茶泡壞了，或是其他的原因造成對方無法將茶喝掉。

135.茶沒泡好，可以做些補救措施嗎

把茶泡好，這是茶人必須有的修養，如果在奉茶之前發現茶淡了或濃了，應行補救：淡了，再倒回壺內浸泡一下，濃了，倒些熱水稀釋。若屬太濃，想稀釋，但裝茶湯的茶盅已滿滿的，可先倒一杯出來，這杯就留給自己。到了飲用時，先將別人的茶喝完，倒一半到別人的杯子上，再稀釋。

您說：那我怎麼知道太淡了還是太濃了？若在倒茶時無法察知，可先倒一點在自己的杯子內試飲一下。

136.泡茶時發現水量或泡出的湯量明顯不足，有何應變方法

這兩種現象可能發生在事先的準備不足，或奉茶給圍觀來賓時，杯數臨時增加所致。泡到最後一道，發現帶來的熱水已不敷使用，現場又沒有熱水供應，這時可輕聲問一下左右鄰座的茶友是否有多餘的熱水，把熱水瓶借您使用一下。若泡完茶，發現茶湯少得太厲害，不是每杯少倒一點可以解決的，這時可以再補泡一次，沖水量視需要而定，就這樣兩泡當一泡使用。

137.可以倒一杯給反方向的芳鄰嗎

喝完茶後，發現盅內還剩有茶湯，今天約定向左奉茶，右鄰又是一位很想跟他攀談的朋友，能不能趁他喝完茶，杯子有空時，倒一杯茶給他喝？同一個問題的延伸：不遠處坐著一位久仰的前輩，能不能也趁這個機會走過去奉一杯茶給他？答案都是不可以，因為每一件事、每一項活動都有它的規則與限制，無規矩不能成方圓。

138.杯子的衛生問題

無我茶會是自行攜帶茶葉、茶具，一起泡茶，飲用的是別人的茶杯與茶。有人擔心衛生問題，建議改為將自己帶來的杯子擺在自己的「奉茶區」上，奉茶時是每人以自己的茶盅（或有流茶碗）將茶倒到被奉者自己的茶杯內。這樣子是省卻了「別人的杯子是否衛生」的那一半擔心，但同時也割去了不少人們交互奉茶的那份親切之情。人在交往中往往不能那麼「衛生」的，否則相互握手、相互擁抱等行為都要檢討。無我茶會想要推動的是人際間自然、真誠的那份情感，所以採取這樣的奉茶方式。當然每人要把自己的杯子、茶具、雙手、身體洗得乾淨，並攜帶高品質的茶葉、潔淨的水，以精湛且認真的技藝泡茶招待別人，還要把自己的身心修養得健康、快樂與進取，以便與大家共處。

139.不知道喝的是什麼茶，可以問嗎，可以讚美他嗎

無我茶會從泡茶開始後就不可以說話了，所以喝茶時，想知道那是什麼茶，是不可以開口發問的。那憋在心裡不是很難過嗎？所以我們喝茶時，只要專心品賞，不必管它叫什麼名字，就如同我們奉茶給左鄰第一、第三、第五位茶友，也不必管他叫什麼名字，我們欣賞一座山，也不必管它叫什麼名字，我們欣賞天上的一朵雲，也不必管它叫什麼名字。當然，如果您在很自然的情況下知道那杯茶是誰泡的，茶會結束後，可以當作談話資料問他；喝到一杯泡得很好的茶，在這種情況下讚美他一番也無妨。但若一面品飲一面操心著這杯茶是誰泡的？這杯茶叫什麼名字？這杯茶怎麼泡得那麼難喝……，就喝得太辛苦了。

140.最後一道茶奉完，可以走到景仰的人那兒要杯茶喝嗎

過去舉辦國際性無我茶會時，曾發生奉完最後一道茶，有茶友跑到他景仰的茶人那兒要茶喝，先是一個人，後來有人仿效，一時造成風氣，影響了茶會後半段的秩序，活動後有人提出討論，大家都認為不妥，雖然國際知名茶人難得一見，但盡可利用「茶具觀摩與聯誼」時間或「會後活動」的機會。否則對某些人的崇敬會造成對某些人的傷害，難免引起不愉快，這是愛茶人不喜歡看見的。

141.會後可以與別人交換茶具作紀念嗎

前幾屆的國際無我茶會曾發生茶會結束後有人互相交換茶具以為紀念。檢討會上，起初有人認為很有意思，尤其是國際性的茶會，交換得異國茶友的茶器很有紀念價值，但討論到後來，反對的人越來越多，大家擔心此風盛行後，出發參加茶會前就得操心要帶哪套茶器以便與人交換。雖然這套茶器不怎麼名貴，但陪我半輩子了，萬一有人要與我交換怎麼辦？所以後來大家有這麼一個默契：無我茶會上不可交換茶具。

142.茶會結束後可以再約些人原地繼續泡茶嗎

無我茶會以抽籤決定座位，所以一些熟識的朋友不一定坐在一起，因此就會發生會後這些人相約留在原地繼續泡茶的情事。這種現象看在大家眼裡，好像他們這一群才是好朋友，剛才奉茶給我只是形勢不得不如此。

如果不是以抽籤決定座位，一定是熟悉的人坐在一起，國際性的場合，同國家、同地區來的人聚在一起，這樣，無我茶會的精神如何推動？茶會時一幅無國界、無流派、無私情的樣子，會後馬上又成群結黨，哪能成就「無」的境界？所以茶會結束後是不可再約些人在原地繼續泡茶的。

143.無我茶會可以使用非茶的飲料嗎

是因為「茶」的德性讓我們以具體的茶會方式，將它體現出來而成就了「無我茶會」，並不是先有茶會形式才找到「茶」作為沖泡的飲料，所以要能深刻體驗無我茶會的精神，非要「愛茶」不可，若只是喜愛「無我茶會」的形式與教條，只是浮面的利用而已。

據此推論，無我茶會上不宜使用非茶的飲料，但何種茶，是否調了味、熏了花就不受限制了。

  (1757)

茶文化复兴初期的台湾茶学教育-20130828周三小方块-蔡荣章

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茶文化复兴初期的台湾茶学教育

蔡荣章

20130828周三小方块WEDNESDAY TEA CORNER

台北陆羽茶道教室隶属于台北陆羽茶艺中心，是民间的茶学教育机构。台北陆羽茶艺中心由陆羽茶艺股份有限公司设置，该公司成立于1980.08.24，陆羽茶艺中心于1980年10月1日开始营运，1980年12月成立“陸羽茶學講座”（1990.12.1改名为“陆羽茶道教室”）。这是台湾首次持续开设的茶学讲座，时间为当代茶文化复兴的初期，这样民间的茶学教育当然要从基层做起、茶道教室的课程要从初级班设置起。什么是人们需要的入门知识呢？我们认为要让喝茶人对茶、泡茶、茶具、茶史有个初步认识，于是着手设计课程纲要，将1980年12月首次开班的课程定名为“茶艺讲座”，每周上课二次，每次二小时，四周完成八次一期的讲座。

因为是针对社会人士，而且来上课的不是上班族就是家庭主妇，所以每期课程不宜排得太长，否则大家不容易排出时间。大家都在忙碌的生活中排除困难，一有机会就先上一期课再说，如此上完一期又一期，总有一天可以把各种茶学知识上完。经验告诉我们，一个月八次课左右是最容易被接受而且有效的排课方法，若只是三次四次，要教完一种课目而且深植学习者的心中是不容易的。

茶艺讲座初期的八次课是如此安排的：第一次茶的制造（含学员自我介绍），第二次茶的认识，第三次如何泡好一壶茶（泡茶原理），第四次泡茶演练（分组练习），第五次陶艺与茶艺，第六次茶的历史文化，第七次茶艺观摩（即泡茶考试），第八次学科考试与问题研讨（含颁证）。这样的课程内容一直实施了23年, 直至2003.03北京陆羽茶艺中心成立, 陈莉经理认为应该把无我茶会列入初级班的茶艺讲座内（台北陆羽茶艺中心已在1991.03.27将无我茶会列入中级班的“茶法與茶会研讨” 课之中），因此北京的茶艺讲座增加了一次二小时的无我茶会而变成九次课。后来台北陆羽茶艺中心也在举办了398期后，于2003.11.26将无我茶会增列入茶艺讲座399期及以后的课程之中。

台北陆羽茶道教室的茶艺讲座到2013.08.14截止一共举办了453期，每期约30位学员。若将1980视为茶文化复兴的起始，2013的今日已是过了33个年头，茶文化的种种现象已进入了发展期，但虽说纲目已举，然而“茶道艺术”尚未能普遍被认知与呈现，“茶文化”的独立体系尚未成熟，我们还不能停用“茶文化复兴”的字眼。

我们关注茶文化复兴初期的茶学教育，关注当时台北陆羽茶艺中心的发展情况，关心那个时候在哪里开设了什么基础课程、这个课程的内容包括什么内容、是哪些人参与学习、踊跃的程度如何，方便进一步了解现代茶学及茶文化的种种现象。

 

  (2471)

我如此享用一杯茶-蔡荣章-20130814周三小方块

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我如此享用一杯茶

蔡荣章

20130814周三小方块WEDNESDAY TEA CORNER

在我想喝茶的时候,我会选一款让我喝了很舒服的茶, 所谓很舒服是指喝了顺口，不会很快产生饥餓感, 不会有难以下咽的感觉。经验告诉我,这样的茶都与品质有关。我不在意茶的不同种类与风味差异,我很关注这款茶是否依它的天性将它做得到位。做得到位的茶不一定就是市场价位最高的茶,我会避开供不应求的时段与类别,我会随时储备一些这样的茶在身边。

放在身边的茶是要照顾的,我会依它们的需要放置在不同湿度与温度的地方(晒太阳与有异味是不行的),需要的时候给予适当的复火或常温式的干燥, 喝饼茶时提早二三天将茶剥离到接近散茶的程度。

泡茶的用水是平时就会准备的, 这时要关注的是这泡茶所需的温度。是这泡茶, 不是这种茶也不是这包茶, 因为这泡茶的茶况不见得与这一包茶一样,更不见得与这一种茶一样, 最明显的是细碎的程度不同, 或是多拨了一些较老的叶子入壶。这时的水温就需要微调。

我会选一把适合这包茶的壶, 所谓适合是指能将这包茶的特性表现得最好的壶, 如应选银壶、紫砂壶、或瓷壶？若是陶瓷壶还要决定不同的烧结程度。我会拿出喝茶最佳的杯子, 这是累积经验逐步留下来的杯子, 无需另行挑选, 这样的杯子才不会折损用心冲泡出来的茶汤。

我会依拟冲泡的次数在壶内置入适量的茶叶, 冲入该茶喜欢温度的热水, 精准地计算浸泡的时间, 然后将茶汤倒出。我会将茶汤倒干, 以免影响这一道预期的浓度以及下一道茶汤浓度的控制。我会很有耐心地等茶汤滴干。

我会使用一把附有细密滤网的茶盅（滤网经常是架设在盅口上）, 这样将茶汤一次倒入茶盅时可以将茶末过滤得很干净, 接着分倒入杯饮用, 就可以欣赏到完整的茶汤颜色,饮用时也不必担心茶渣进入口中。这时我可以完整地享用茶汤。

喝完第一道通常会继续冲泡第二道, 等壶内的茶叶稍微降温后, 闻闻壶内的香气, 从浓郁、尚足、或是清微，判断该泡茶的质量与水可溶物的多寡, 水可溶物丰富者接下来的浸泡时间不必太长。还要看看茶叶舒展的状况，如果原本紧结的茶这时才刚刚松开，接下来浸泡的时间是要缩短得厲害的，剥得不是很散的饼茶或砖茶亦是如此。第二道缩短的程度还要看置茶量的多少，置茶量愈多缩短的幅度要愈大。如置放了四分之一壶的高质量球型高山乌龙茶，第一道浸泡了一分二十秒得出标准浓度的茶汤，第二道的浸泡时间应是三十秒，当置茶量增加到三分之一壶，同样的水温，第一道若浸泡了一分十秒得出标准浓度的茶汤，第二道的浸泡时间就要缩到十秒。

假设第三道茶是隔了一段时间再泡，这时除继续闻茶叶的香气与看茶叶舒展的状况外，还要将间隔的时间因素加进去。如果上述第二道三十秒出汤的例子，在停了三十分钟再泡第三道，浸泡时间可以不必延长，依旧三十秒即可（若不暂停而是继续冲泡，则要四十五秒）。若是上述第二道十秒出汤的例子，停了三十分钟再泡第三道，这时的浸泡时间应是即冲即倒（就是冲了水，盖上壶盖，就要将茶汤倒出来了）。

我爱茶，我如此细心与它为伍，包括事前的选茶、平时的储存与再度让它精炼、饮用时的冲泡。我有条件可以欣赏、享受到美好又准确的茶汤。

  (1884)

莫让比赛规则改变茶道艺术的纯度-蔡荣章

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莫让比赛规则改变茶道艺术的纯度

蔡荣章

201306《海峡茶道》专栏

「如果茶艺竞赛或茶艺师证照考试的规则要求我们得穿旗袍或唐装，然后在成绩评定标准上又有服装这一项，我们肯定会穿旗袍或唐装。如果没有要求穿哪一款式的服装，但在成绩评定标准上有服装这一项，我们也会想办法穿件出奇制胜的衣服以求得这个项目的高分。这样长时间实施的结果会不会误导茶文化界与社会大众，以为茶道艺术就是要这样穿着或这么重视打扮？」

「会的，这是比赛或考试的规则制定与出题时应留意的。如果主办单位想要利用服装的穿着令社会大众重视茶道艺术，可以在参加资格上注明要穿着〝适合泡茶的正式服装〞，且在成绩评定上保留服装这一项，如此才可以避免将茶道艺术制式化。至于什么是方便泡茶的正式服装，泡茶者可以有自己的打算，茶文化界也可以提出意见或做出样品。然而到了茶道艺术发展成熟后，成绩评定栏上就不必要有服装这一项了。」

「为什么到了茶道艺术发展成熟后，成绩评定栏上就不必要有服装这一项了？」

「因为服装不是茶道艺术的本体，就像音乐，大家不会将音乐家的服装视为音乐的一部分。如果茶道艺术的成绩包含了服装，就稀释了茶道艺术的纯度。你会说服仪也影响了茶道艺术的表现，没错，但在茶道艺术本身的评价上是要将服装隔离的。」

「如此说来，茶席的设计以及茶席上的插花、焚香、挂画也都不能视为茶道艺术的本体了？」

「没有错，茶席上的〝茶具设置〞直接影响茶道艺术的表现，应视为茶道艺术的本体，但装饰的部分如插花、焚香、挂画，以及泡茶者的穿着只是影响着茶道艺术的对外感染力，只能视为茶道艺术的包装。若以一套茶具为例，包装保证了它在搬运中不被打破，这是属于上述的〝茶具设置〞性质，应视为茶具商品的一部分，但包装的华丽部分就纯粹属于打扮了，在从事这套茶具泡茶功能评估时就要将华丽与否分离开来。」

「为什么还看到比赛或考试的评分标准上有配乐这一栏？且注明要与茶艺主题相协调，若欠缺艺术感染力，要行扣分。这不也稀释了茶道艺术的纯度？」

「对的，就纯艺术的角度来看，茶道艺术是茶道艺术，音乐是音乐。再说，茶道艺术有自己的声音，如煮水、倒茶叶、倒茶汤、茶具与人的移动、人的话语、风的吹送、屋外的鸟叫等等，不需要再拿另外一首音乐与茶道艺术同台演出。有人说，有音乐为伴泡起茶来较自在。那是因为泡茶者尚缺独挑大梁的能力，我们喜欢茶道艺术的纯度。」

「有次参加茶艺竞赛，评分标准上有仪容仪表礼仪一项，赛后评委讲评时两个人强调了微笑的重要性。泡茶时是不是从头到尾都要保持微笑才好？」

「泡茶时专心泡茶，脸上表情自然就是一副认真的样子，如果他是属于安然自若型的，表现出来的就是轻松愉快的，如果他是属于严肃型的，表现出来的就是一板一眼的，如果他是属于紧张型的，倒茶时手都会有点抖动，但只要是认真的、有把握的，这抖动的仪态还是优美的。到了奉茶的时候，亲切热忱，面带微笑总是要的，但如果将面带微笑列为茶道艺术必备的表情，那就强制性地掺入了不一定必要的原素，而且会有如加上音乐、加上强烈视觉效果的服装、加上夸张的肢体语言一般，削弱了茶道艺术的纯度，分散了欣赏茶道艺术的专注度。」

「刚才说到夸张的肢体语言，有人认为只是平铺直叙地泡茶只见功能性而没有艺术性，所以喜欢增加一些手势，甚至于舞动着身体。增加的这些可不可以算是茶道艺术的一部分？」

「如果泡茶者认为填加的这些手势与身体的舞动是属于他所要呈现的茶道艺术，那我们就要以加进去这些后的全部来衡量他的茶道艺术，如果我们认为加进去的这些动作太稀释了茶道艺术，如茶的成分已降到70%以下，我们会将之视为茶艺歌舞。茶道艺术是以泡茶、奉茶、茶汤为媒介所呈现的艺术，内涵的充实与否，表现的技法优良与否都要在泡茶、奉茶、茶汤的本体上评估，否则就有如研判声乐家歌唱得好坏还要从他的肢体舞动上打分数一样可笑。」

「我参加的那一次茶艺比赛，在评分标准上有〝茶艺创意〞一项，所要求的是〝表演富有创意，视角独特，形式新颖〞，这是茶道艺术高低的衡量标准之一吗？」

「不应该是，不只对茶道艺术不可以如此鼓励，对其他艺术项目也不可以将之列为分数加减的项目，否则大家为了得高分，拼命呈现创意，呈现视角独特，呈现形式新颖，结果不见得是件好作品。例如一幅水墨画，在人体上涂上墨汁，让他在纸上滚个一圈，完成了一件抽象性的作品。这在当时算是创举，富有创意、视角独特、形式新颖，此项分数准得高分，但难保就是件好作品。

早期的茶艺竞赛上也看过温壶时先在壶盖与壶口间垫张纸，然后从壶外淋水，淋过一阵子后，打开壶盖，取下纸张，再行置茶。说是壶内全干，置茶闻香与泡起茶来的效果更佳。这样的做法在当时应该也是富有创意、视角独特、形式新颖，但是不是就可以把茶汤表现得好、茶道艺术的内涵与形式表现得深刻就不得而知了。

然而有了这项评分标准，参赛者容易掌握，得分容易，往往就因此获得名次，社会大众也因此被误导为艺术创作理当如此、茶道艺术表现理当如此。要知道，所有的创意必须建构在更丰富的内涵、更耐人寻味的美感境界、更隽永的物质与精神享受才有意义，否则徒然稀释了艺术的纯度，大众被创意吸引，忽略了该项艺术的本质与本体。

梵谷的绘画被重视，不能解释为他用了如火焰般的创意笔触。梵谷这种笔法可以说是富有创意、视角独特、形式新颖没错，但评论界不会以此作为着力点，大多说到他的每一笔都充满了激情，是欣赏其作品所呈现的意涵与境界。」

「茶道艺术可以分解成：茶汤30分、茶艺演示30分、茶席茶具20分、仪容仪表20分吗？」

「不可以的。在教学上可以提醒同学要留意茶汤、泡茶动作、茶席设置、茶具、服饰—-，但茶道艺术是整体的表现，不但不可以依上述诸原素分别论功行赏，甚至于主体部分的泡茶、奉茶、茶汤也无法拆开来看。分开来评分的结果，经常发生茶汤泡得不怎么样，但动作、服仪优美者夺了冠。要知道茶道艺术的核心在茶汤，茶泡不好，只有动作与服仪仍然不及格。评委的组成如果是从评茶界找一位、从表演界找一位、从设计界找一位、从音乐界找一位，他们对茶道艺术要有认知、有合理的评分标准，否则也容易发生上述的结果。

绘画作品的评比是不可以这样设计评分标准的：色彩30分、线条结构30分、布局10分、透视合理性10分、创意10分、装裱10分。如果大小的比赛规则都是如此订定，绘画艺术将被封死在这样的棺材内。依此类推，音乐的评比或欣赏也没人会将旋律、音色、合声等分开。

泡茶可以很随意，就如任何人都可以随便哼唱两声，泡茶可以很严谨地进入茶道艺术领域，就如歌唱进入音乐的殿堂。当泡茶要进入了茶道艺术的时候，应该以艺术的方法栽培它、呵护它，茶界的前辈们要以艺术的角度评判它。」

 

  (1843)

茶道艺术家精炼功夫 四. 泡茶师的着装规则-20130715周一喝茶-许玉莲

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茶道艺术家精炼功夫

四. 泡茶师的着装规则

许玉莲

20130715周一喝茶慢MONDAY SLOW TEA

「茶汤作品欣赏会」就是泡茶师在从事一项「茶汤作品」创作的「工作」出来让大家享用。泡茶师在「茶汤作品欣赏会」工作时有工作适合穿的「工作服」，所以不必再另外以营造了什么氛围、什么主题来决定泡茶师的「工作服」，「茶汤作品欣赏会」的氛围与主题就是「茶汤作品欣赏会」，泡茶师的「工作服」的着装规则：

一.不要戴帽子、头巾、太阳眼镜、围巾、披肩、手套。

二.不要低胸、tube top、吊带、露肚皮、小背心的衣着。

三.内衣不要外露。长裤要穿在腰上，不要露出内裤。

四.不要无袖、短袖的衣着。

五.不要胸口挖空、裙摆开叉的衣着。

六.不要过宽、过紧的衣着。不要「强调身体」的衣着。

七.穿裙不要短过膝。

八.衣料不要透明可透视内衣裤。

九.不要睡衣、短裤、袜装裤子、破烂衣装、牛仔裤、运动装的衣着。

十.不要穿露趾鞋子、球鞋、走路不安全的鞋。

十一.衣服上不要有不雅字眼、不安全的铁片、铁链装饰。

十二.头发全部梳拢上去，不要遮着额头和脸。头发上不要有发饰品，不用气味强的发油。头发保持自然色。

十三.不要化浓妆、不用气味太强的化妆品。不涂会脱色的口红。不涂香水。不搽指甲油、不留长指甲。

十四.不要戴饰物：项錬、手錬、手环、绳子、腕表、戒指。

十五.不一定要穿民族礼服或「国服」。

十六.不一定要穿传统造型服装。

十七.不一定要穿（公司或团体）制服。

十八.不一定要穿「茶服」。

十九.不一定要穿什么颜色的服装。

二十.不一定要什么款式。

二十一.要穿隆重、正式的泡茶师「工作服」：衣料、款式要有品质，要整齐干净，要显得专业和自信。

二十二.要可安全实施茶汤创作的「工作服」：衣服大小适中合身约比体型大二寸，这样才能操作自如。太窄行动不便，取拿煮水壶、泡茶器使不出力、站不稳，产生危险，连手也伸不到品茗者前方，要怎么奉茶呢。太阔会绊倒泡茶席的茶具，站起、坐下、走路都会有障碍。

二十三.衣领开口离开颈项约一至二寸之间即可。

二十四.衣袖要合身、袖子长度要手臂的3/4之长度。

二十五.穿裙长度要过膝，席地而坐裙子长度要盖完双脚。

二十六.外套要扣上纽扣。

二十七.领带要夹住、蝴蝶结要系紧。

二十八.需要脱鞋时预备替换的干净袜子。

二十九.要穿包脚趾的正式鞋。

（注：以上不包括宗教规范的着装。）

 

  (2775)

我与茶如此相伴-20130710周三小方块-蔡荣章

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我与茶如此相伴

蔡荣章

20130710周三小方块WEDNESDAY TEA CORNER

我小心翼翼把茶从茶罐拨入茶荷, 为着端详它的长相, 看它色泽从绿到红的变化, 期了解它被发酵了多少? 看它老嫩的程度知道它是在成长中还是长熟后被采摘下来的?一次被采摘了多少叶片?从它皮肤的皱褶度知道它被折磨的程度(即揉捻的轻重), 从它皮肤的褐变程度知道了它在炭火中被烘烤到了多高的温度。我还可以从它身躯的完整度知道它被外力破坏的程度(外形完整度),还可以从它的体态知道它是大叶树种还是小叶树种。我还可以从它散发出来的气息与光泽知道它曾闭关修炼了多少岁月(即陈放的年份)。我要享用它的香气与滋味, 我要欣赏它从茶干第二生命周期进入到茶汤第三生命周期的奥妙(第一生命周期是茶树阶段), 我必须深入了解它。

我不会拿着茶罐将茶倒入荷内,也不会在倒不出来的时候用抖动或敲击茶罐的方式使茶叶掉落。我不会撕开小包装袋直接将茶倒入壶内, 也不会用这个方式将茶倒入茶荷, 这种做法与手持渣匙的另一端将茶从茶罐中拨入茶荷, 再持茶荷将茶置入壶中是不一样的。在拿到铝箔袋包装茶时, 我会先将茶倒入泡茶时专用的茶罐, 当拿到行销时使用的罐装茶, 我也会先行打开, 将适当的份量置入泡茶专用的茶罐。如果行销时使用的罐子已足以作为泡茶时的茶罐, 我也会将外包装取下, 罐内的茶叶不再有另一层包装袋, 这样的事前准备让我在冲泡茶叶的时候能很顺畅地将茶叶请出茶荷, 供享用它的茶友欣赏, 并将之置入壶內冲泡。

如果是紧压茶(如茶饼、沱茶), 我会事先用手将它剥散,置入泡茶专用的茶罐內。剥离的程度尽量接近散茶,碎茶结成的小块就不特意剥散它了。剥散是一层层地剥离, 用手亲切地剥, 除非剥不动才假以工具。剥茶时、拨茶入荷时、置茶入壶时,难免有茶叶掉落桌面, 我会用手拾起, 或放入茶罐、或放入茶荷、或放入茶壶, 泡茶席的桌面是干净的、泡茶的手是干净的。

  (1808)

「无我」与「茶会」如何理解-蔡荣章

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「无我」与「茶会」如何理解

蔡荣章

201305《海峡茶道》月刊专栏

〝无〞是一个很可爱的字眼，因为只要无了，一切就可以重新开始。所有的事物都是从无中产生的，要在这片土地上种玫瑰花，就得先把杂草除掉，盖房子也是从无中起造的。您说：〝不是的，有些只是改造。原本对自己的工作很不满意，经过一番心情改造与努力，现在已天天过得很高兴。〞但这也是把先前的坏心情排除掉了才重新塑造的新乐园呀。

我爱极了这个无字，于是在构想了一个类似性质的〝茶会作品〞时，就想把它叫做〝无茶会〞，但是这样的名称太不合逻辑了，于是就在无字的后面加了一个我字，而变成无我茶会。但是等无我茶会叫开后，很多人却将这里的无我解释为不自私或理解为空。我八五高龄的老师特别爬上楼来告诉我：不要把自己给忘了。我告诉老师，不会的。无当然要在有的对照下才能被认知（没有〝有〞哪有〝无〞？），而且这个有是要我来排除的，如果无法将有排除，我喜爱的无也就没有办法产生了。

为什么说无我茶会是与无同性质呢？因为无我茶会是围成圈圈泡茶，大家抽签决定座位，无尊卑之分，这是第一个无。泡好了茶，大家依同一方向奉茶（如规定向左，则大家都要向左，奉茶给左边的茶友，但喝的是右边奉过来的茶），无报偿之心，这是第二个无。喝到的茶都是茶友自己带来，可能都是不一样的茶，都要一一欣赏，无好恶之心，这是第三个无。喝到泡得又苦又涩的茶，要反省自己是不是也把茶泡坏了，存着求精进之心（无傲慢之心），这是第四个无。茶会间大家依事先的约定（即公告事项）进行各项进度，不设司仪，无需指挥，这是第五个无。茶具自备，泡法不拘，无流派与地域之分，这是第六个无。泡茶奉茶间不准说话，又无指挥，体现群体律动之美（学习无干扰的大自然节奏），这是第七个无。这七个无也就是无我茶会的七项特殊做法与七大茶道精神。因为具备了这么多的无，所以说无我茶会与无的意义同性质。

再说茶会，有人认为茶会必须从头到尾有完整的仪轨，英译的时候会用tea ceremony。有人认为茶会就等同于聚会，英译的时候会用tea gathering。我对无我茶会的茶会是采用后者的解释，虽然无我茶会有七大特殊的做法，形成了一定的聚会程序，但不要把它仪式化了，应该将重点放在内涵上。除了上述两种对〝会〞的解释外，对〝茶〞的解释有其绝对的约束力，也就是必须要以〝茶〞会友，以酒会友不能叫做茶会，在无我茶会的時候甚至不可以使用非茶的茶（如药草茶或米漿）。上述这个对茶会的解释也影响了对茶道的理解，有些人以为要有一定的形式才能叫茶道，有些人则认为只要有目标与内涵。

无我茶会早期英译成Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony，后来发现使用英语的人们不理解Wu-Wo的意义，而且会从Tea Ceremony将无我茶会视为一种茶道表演。二0一二年春（2012.04.18），我们决定将无我茶会的名称英译定为「Sans Self Tea Gathering」。sans 一词取自于莎士比亚剧作《皆大欢喜》，原为法文，是「无」、「没有」和「不」的意思，莎士比亚借用此词形容人生七个阶段，意境深邃，后来sans一词被广泛应用于英语著作中，成了中古英语，且沿用至今。gathering正表示聚会的意思，调整了ceremony被误为是一种表演形式。

 

  (2560)

無我茶會Sans Self Tea Gathering(Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony)-Chapter 9 Problem Solving for Sans Self Tea Gathering-蔡荣章Rong-tsang Tsai

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《無我茶會Sans Self Tea Gathering (Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony)180條》

蔡荣章著Author:Rong-tsang Tsai

ISBN 978-957-9690-08-9,“无我茶会Sans Self Tea Gathering(Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony) 180” ,First edition: 1999.9, Second edition: 2010.9.《无我茶会180条》,1999.9第一版，2010.9第二版.台北陆羽茶艺股份有限公司.2012.05.20修订版.-English Translator : Katherine Yip,英语翻译：叶德明.

Chapter 9  Problem Solving for Sans Self Tea Gathering(Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony)

128 How do we remedy the situation if an error occurs when tea is served?

Each participant is expected to know all the rules of a Sans Self Tea Gathering by heart. But errors do occur. Rectify the situation where possible if this does not disrupt the progress of the tea gathering. Leave it the way it is if you are not sure how to set it right, or if doing so will undermine the event flow. For example, your fellow participant has misplaced the cup served to you. All you need to do is to gesture him to move the cup back to the right position. This is considered a correctable error. However, if the person has mixed up the person to be served, which is hard to set right without disturbing the progress, then just let it be and consider this an uncorrectable error.

129. What if you are served one cup less?

You may start drinking when you have returned to your place after serving the others, and when your fellow participants have finished serving tea to you. However, if you have waited for an extended period, and there is yet one cup to be filled, then you may want to start drinking to avoid lagging behind. Sometimes, the other party may have taken too much time serving, or he may have simply made a mistake. It is more important to keep pace with the progress.

130. What if I can’t finish pouring the tea I have brewed and there is some left behind?

The amount of water for each brew is determined by the number and size of the cups you have brought along (as well as the ones provided by the organizer for serving onlookers). Calculation has to be done beforehand to ensure there is no surplus or shortage of tea. If the amount of water falls short, or the teapot is too small, then pour a little less tea into each cup. Conversely, if there is too much tea and can’t be finished in one round, then keep it till the next. If there is still some left behind at the end of the last round, just take it yourself.

Some people prefer to bring this surplus infusion home in the thermal flask; the problem is, it is hard to eliminate the smell of tea afterwards.  Some people may keep this surplus infusion in the upturned cap of the thermal flask, and pour it away when the tea gathering ends; others may even pour the infusion away there and then if the gathering is held in the countryside.  None of these ways are advisable; the fact that you have made an effort to brew well makes the infusion ‘precious’.  Discarding it would go against the intention to serve the best brew possible. Just bear in mind that controlling the amount of tea infusion and brew well is very important; should there be any infusion left behind, the best way is to take it yourself.

131. If the tea infusion is too difficult to stomach, what should I do?

When the tea is described as ‘difficult to stomach’, it probably means that the tea is too strong for the palate.  If this is the case, and the infusion is bearably strong, just drink it. You may also dilute it with some water if you worry that you body may not be able to take it because of the concentrated strength.  If the cup is filled to the brim, you may pour half of the infusion into a cup you have finished drinking from and add water to the infusion.

Such a cup of tea reminds us that we should make it a point to brew well and spare the others of the frustration. In any  case, if you have made an effort to bring along the tea, tea ware and hot water for brewing and serving, but come up with a brew that is ‘too difficult to stomach’, it will be a disgrace to not only you but also the tea.

132. If I attend the tea gathering but am not able to take tea on the day, what should I do?

This is rare and very unlikely. Having said that, there may be people who ‘are not tea drinkers but enjoy such an activity’; or, someone may not want to take tea at this juncture out of health considerations. If this is the case, fill each cup with hot water after taking the first brew.  This sends the signal to fellow participants that you would not be taking any more tea. If you are not able to take even the first brew, just leave the cups of tea as they are at the original spots. When it time to wipe the cups after the last brew, pour the tea infusion in each cup into the upturned cap of the thermal flask and discard it when the tea gathering is over.

Sans Self Tea Gathering is an activity of tea aficionados that promotes the Way of Tea. A ‘love of tea’ is essential in nurturing an enjoyment of this ‘activity’. If one enjoys the ‘activity’ but lacks a ‘love of tea’, he will be taking away the aura of ‘nothingness’ that makes a Sans Self Tea Gathering so special.

 

133. What should I do if the previous cup served has not been taken when I am about to serve the second brew?

When you serve with the ‘pitcher’ (or ‘spouted tea bowl’ for powdered tea) after finishing brewing for a second round, you discover that the first cup you served has not been taken. What should you do? At this juncture, observe and decide if the person has yet to do so, or he does not want to take it anymore.  If he is about to finish the cup when you show up, you may wait for a little while. If he does not want to drink, then there is no need to offer tea to him.  Consider health condition rather than the quality of the brew as the primary reason for his declining the offer.

The situation would have been handled differently if we are serving tea at home. Teachers of the Way of Tea would advise us to ask, “Would you like a cup of freshly-brewed tea?” If your guest agrees to this, pour away the tea which has become cold into the crucible, and refill the cup with some fresh brew. As the spirit and act of ‘frugality’ is embraced by the Sans Self Tea Gatherings, such follow-up offers are not promoted.

134. What if there is still tea infusion in the cup when I come to collect it?

A Sans Self Tea Gathering could be organized in honour of a dedicated person or occasion known as ‘an identified target’, to whom or to which the first cup of the first brew would be offered. One can drink the tea after collecting the cup if the infusion remains not taken at the end of the gathering. For Sans Self Tea Gatherings in general, however, any infusion not taken is considered the responsibility of the person to whom the tea is offered, in the sense that he is the one to clear the teacup of any content even if the tea infusion, for some reasons (such as the brew is too difficult to stomach, too much to finish or being left there out of oversight), remains in the cup when it is time for cup collection. What if the other party has overlooked this rule of a Sans Self Tea Gathering when you turn up to collect the cup? Just take your cup back and pour the infusion into the upturned cap of the thermal flask, and discard it after you have packed the tea ware (you may also pour it away at a suitable spot if the tea gathering is held in the countryside). It pays to find out if it has something to do with poor brewing or other reasons.

135. Is there anything I can do if the tea is not brewed to perfection?

Brewing a good pot of tea is a must for anyone serious about tea. Do the necessary if you notice that the tea infusion is either too strong or too weak before you serve – if the infusion is too weak, you may pour it back into the pot and steep a little longer; if the infusion is too strong, you may add some hot water to the infusion. If the infusion is far too strong and you want to dilute it but the tea pitcher is already full, you may pour a cup first and keep it for yourself. Take others’ tea first, pour half of the strong infusion into one of the emptied cups and add water to dilute.

If you are not sure whether the infusion is too weak or too strong when you pour the tea, you may pour some into your own cup first and try it to make sure it is of the desired strength.

136. If I don’t have enough water for brewing, or there is clearly too little tea infusion, what should I do?

Both scenarios may be attributed to inadequate preparation, or an unexpected increase of cups to be offered to onlookers. When you notice that there is not enough water for brewing during the last round, and there is no supply of hot water on site, you may gently ask the neighbours on your left and right if they have some to spare. If you have finished brewing and discover that there is a lot less infusion than you intend to serve, and the shortage could not be made up by simply having less infusion for each cup, you may need to brew one more time; the amount water would have to be adjusted according to what is needed. In this case, the two rounds of brewing would combine to make one brew.

137. May I offer a cup to my neighbour in the opposite direction?

In the event that there is still some infusion left in the pitcher after serving, you want to know if you could pour some tea into an emptied cup of your neighbour whom you want to get acquainted with but in the opposite direction (for instance, the neighbour to your right, if it is agreed to serve fellow participants to your left).  By the same token, you want to know whether you could offer a cup to a senior some distance away whom you want to introduce yourself to. The answer is ‘no’, given the fact that each activity has its own rules and restrictions instrumental to its success.

138. Concerns about hygiene for teacups

Each participant of Sans Self Tea Gathering brings along his own tealeaves and tea ware.  At the gathering, everyone brews, and takes tea brewed and offered in teacups by fellow participants. This has prompted some doubt about hygiene. Some people have come up with ideas about alternative arrangement. They suggest that one’s teacups be placed at one’s own ‘tea serving area’, and fellow participants pour tea into the teacups using tea pitchers (or spouted tea bowls). While this may allay worries about ‘the cleanliness of others’ teacups’; it will nonetheless create unnecessary distance among participants which should not be the case.  Come to think about it, human interaction is not as clinically hygienic as we imagine it to be – we shake hands with each other and we hug each other ever so often. What Sans Self Tea Gathering advocates is a natural and truthful flow of feeling among individuals; and hence the particular way of tea serving. Having said that, we should make sure the cups, tea ware, our hands and body are clean before attending the tea gathering.  Equally important are quality tealeaves and clean water for brewing.  At the tea gathering, we use the best of our knowledge and skill in brewing a good pot.  Not to be forgotten is a pleasant disposition and positive mindset to make you a great person to be with.

139. Could we find out the name of the tea we are served? And utter some words of praise if appropriate?

Sans Self Tea Gathering is to proceed in silence and no one should speak. As such, you should not try to find out what kind of tealeaves it is when you are enjoying the tea. But it would be hard to have the question hovering in your mind throughout the event, wouldn’t it? This is why you should focus on the brew without bothering about its name.  Likewise, when we offer tea to, say, the first, third and fifth fellow participants to our left, we do not need to know their names. We do not need to know the name of the mountain to appreciate its grandeur, nor the name of the cloud to appreciate its ethereal beauty. But if you just happen to know that the cup of tea was brewed by a certain participant, it is acceptable for you approach him after the tea gathering and find out more about his brew. Furthermore, if the brew is a very good one, it is perfectly fine to let the person know by way of praising. Tea drinking will become a chore if you keep bothering yourself about the name of the brew and its respective brewer, or reminding yourself how poor the brew is.

140. After offering the last brew, would it be possible for me to approach the tea guru I revere for his brew?

There were past incidents where participants went up to meet a certain tea guru after offering the last brew.  It might have started with just one participant, but before long, others followed suit until the crowd disrupted the procedure of the rest of the tea gathering. This was brought up during the post-event review, and it was felt that such disruption should be stopped. It is understood that the opportunities to get up close and personal with famed tea gurus may be difficult to come by; but this is best done during the ‘tea ware appreciation and networking’ session, or the ‘post-event activities’. One should bear in mind that in this case, reverence shown to some could be the cause of suffering, inconvenience and unpleasant experience of the others. This is certainly what tea aficionados would not want to happen.

 

141. Is it fine to exchange tea ware with fellow participants at the end of the tea gathering?

At the end of the Sans Self Tea Gatherings held over the past few years, some participants were seen exchanging tea ware as mementoes. At the beginning of the post-event review session, some people thought this was quite meaningful, especially for tea gatherings with international participants. As the discussion progressed, there were more and more opposing voices — they worried that if this becomes a trend, participants would have to make great mental effort in choosing the tea ware in case they need to exchange it with fellow participants.  While tea ware which has long been in one’s possession may not be highly-priced physically, it could have great emotional value, and the possibility of parting with it during a tea gathering could put one in distress. With this in mind, it is agreed that there should not be any exchange of tea ware during a Sans Self Tea Gathering.

142. Is it permissible to ask a few friends to stay back for more brews when the tea gathering is over?

Seating arrangement of a Sans Self Tea Gathering is decided by random drawing. As a result, friends and old acquaintances may not be sitting next to each other. Some of them tend to stay back after the tea gathering and continue to make more tea together.  This may create the impression that they only enjoy each other’s company and were forced to offer tea to other participants just now.

It is natural that people sit with their friends if not for seating arrangement by random drawing; for international events, people from the same country or region will certainly frock together. And yet, this would not have any contribution to the spirit of a Sans Self Tea Gathering. The tea gathering may be a picture of harmony free from national divides, ideological differences and personal relationship; but the small circles emerged after the event would surely defeat the purpose of a tea gathering that is supposed to be ‘san self’. Considering this, the organizer would not approve of any self-formed groups staying behind for more brews.

143. Is beverage other than tea allowed during Sans Self Tea Gatherings?

A ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering’ is the expression of the unique characteristics of ‘tea’ in the form of a tea gathering.  It is certainly not an occasion that picks ‘tea’ as the beverage of choice. To fully appreciate the spirit of a ‘Sans Self Tea Gathering’, the ‘love of tea’ is imperative.  It will be superficial and manipulative if one adopts its format and rules without the tea.

As such, non-tea beverage is not advisable. However, there is no restriction as to the type of tea used, and whether it is flavoured or floral-scented.

  (1804)

第九章 品茗後活動與收拾-蔡荣章

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《無我茶會Sans Self Tea Gathering(Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony) 180條》

蔡荣章著Author:Rong-tsang Tsai

ISBN978-957-9690-08-9 “无我茶会Sans Self Tea Gathering(Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony)180,” First edition: 1999.9, Second edition: 2010.9《无我茶会180条》1999.9第一版 2010.9第二版 台北陆羽茶艺股份有限公司.2012.05.20修订版-English Translator : Katherine Yip英语翻译：叶德明

第九章 品茗後活動與收拾

113.何謂「品茗後活動」，如何進行，與「會後活動」有何不同

所謂品茗後活動是指喝完最後一道茶，大家靜坐原位，聽一段音樂，回味一下茶的滋味，回味一下剛才大家泡茶、奉茶、喝茶的情景，等樂聲消失後，擦拭自己用過的杯子，出去收回自己的杯子，收拾茶具，結束茶會。這段品茗後靜坐聆聽音樂的過程是無我茶會「空白之美」的應用。

無我茶會的「品名後活動」是視為品飲的一部分，所以大家喝完最後一道茶，自動靜坐於原位上，演奏或演唱的人看到大家大致坐定，即開始他的音樂時間，不必有解說或介紹式的開場白，以免打斷茶香、茶味與寧靜氣氛的綿延；音樂結束後，也不要鼓掌，讓大家在樂聲的迴響消失後，從靜穆中覺醒過來繼續收拾茶具。

由於是品飲後空白之美的應用，所以時間不宜長，三分鐘即可，不要超過五分鐘，否則氣氛不容易連貫。品茗後活動除了音樂演奏與演唱外，也可以安排大家閉目靜坐幾分鐘。喝完最後一道茶，個別自動閉目靜坐，到了約定時間，開始擦拭杯子收拾茶具。

茶會結束，大家收拾好茶具，主辦單位還可以安排一些「會後活動」，如茶會在山上舉辦，可繼續登山、健行，若在室內舉辦，可繼續一場演講或研討會。所以「品茗後活動」是無我茶會的一部分，而「會後活動」是無我茶會後的另外一個活動。不論是「品茗後活動」還是「會後活動」，都要在「公告事項」上說明清楚，讓與會者知所遵循。

114.品茗後活動為什麼不能太長，如何搭配為妥

品茗後活動是品茗後的一段「回味」時間，時間只宜三、五分鐘，太長了，延續性效果會斷裂。要把這種安排的意義充分讓演出者知道，否則他會覺得怎麼才讓他演出那麼短的時間！尤其是特別邀請來參加的專業性音樂家更會覺得委屈。

如果讓邀請來的音樂家只做品茗後短暫的演出會覺得遺憾，可在收拾完茶具，茶會結束後再以「會後活動」的方式安排一次音樂會，大家輕鬆就坐，好好欣賞一下的音樂。

同樣這種觀念，如果有其他如插花、書畫、舞蹈等團體參與無我茶會，為讓大家也能欣賞插花、書畫、舞蹈之美，將之作為會後活動，比安排在茶具觀摩與聯誼時間更恰當，因為保持了無我茶會的完整性。

115.品茗後活動要不要設置表演台

品茗後活動是視為品茗的一部分，所以不要有凸出的做法。演奏者或演唱者就在泡茶的隊伍裡面，如果參與泡茶，就在泡茶席上演出，如果樂器必須另外有個空間擺置，則放在泡茶席的旁邊，等到要演奏的時候才移到樂器放置的地方。表演者有數人時，只要讓他們坐在一起即可。若是脫離泡茶者的座位，在中央區設置表演台是不恰當的，容易將品茗與表演分割成兩部分。

大家席地而坐時，表演者也席地表演是最佳的方式，有所不便時才起立或坐在椅子上。但不論以何種方式表演，都不可於表演時才入場，即使不泡茶，也要在茶會開始時就到位。至於「會後活動」就可以設置表演台或演講台了，不再受「品茗後活動」的種種限制。

116.泡完茶，要不要清洗茶具

無我茶會是採用簡便泡茶法，泡完茶後不當場去渣、涮壺，等回去後才清洗茶具。

旅行中，晚上清洗茶具，壺、盅等可用高溫熱水燙過，開口向上放著，借著熱氣的蒸發，很快就會乾燥，出門前將茶放入壺內就沒什麼問題了。

117.如何預防收拾茶具後，壺盅的殘水外流

由於泡完茶沒當場去渣清理茶具，所以最後一道茶的「倒茶」要將茶湯倒得特別乾，這樣收拾茶具後，才不會有殘水流出弄濕了杯套、包壺巾等物品，包紮後，也儘量把壺正放於茶具袋內。最後一道的奉茶，要留意有沒有把茶盅內的茶倒完，如果還留有一些，自己將它喝掉，免得等一下不小心就這樣把茶盅打包起來。

118.收拾茶具前之擦杯動作，意義何在

品賞完最後一道茶，如果安排有音樂欣賞，也聆聽過了，這時把自己用過的杯子用茶巾或紙巾擦拭一下，放在原來的地方讓別人前來收拾回去，自己也出去收回自己奉出去的杯子。

將杯子擦拭一下，一方面是表示禮貌，一方面是預防自己在杯子上留有口紅或杯內尚留有一些殘水，別人收拾時不方便。但這畢竟只是初步的清理，回去後大家還是會徹底清洗的，所以茶會上擦拭杯子只要輕輕擦拭即可，不要太用力而顯得粗糙。

119.何時開始擦拭自己用過的杯子

喝完最後一道茶，如果大會沒有安排「品茗後活動」，就可以開始擦拭自己用過的杯子，如果安排有品茗後活動，則在「品茗後活動」結束後才擦拭自己用過的杯子。

在沒有「品茗後活動」時，如果自己的動作稍慢，別人前來收杯子時自己尚未喝完茶或尚未擦拭完杯子，應優先將前來收杯那人的杯子清理出來（如果您知道是哪一杯的話）。在安排有「品茗後活動」時，如果自己的動作稍慢，在活動開始後尚有茶未喝完，可繼續喝完它。

120.收杯禮節

無我茶會所謂的「收杯」是指出去收回原先自己奉出去的杯子。收杯時是端著奉茶盤，自行取回杯子，即使被奉者也在座位上。平日茶道的禮節是由被奉者端取杯子放回主人的奉茶盤上，但無我茶會是由奉茶的人自行為之，因為只有奉茶的人才知道自己的杯子放在哪裡，被奉者也被要求不要特意去知道哪杯是哪個人的。

收杯時如果被奉者也在座，收完杯要相互行禮致意，若自己正要出去收杯，巧遇有人前來收杯，應稍候一下，等對方收完杯子，行禮致謝後才離開。收杯時如果發現對方尚來不及喝茶或擦杯子，可先收拾下一位的，免得對方心慌。收杯子時若發現對方未將杯子擦拭，可能他忘了，或許他未帶茶巾或紙巾，依舊將杯子收回，回座位後自行擦拭。

若曾奉茶給圍觀的來賓，收回茶友的杯子後也順便將來賓手上的一次性杯子收掉，這時不一定是收回您原來奉出去的那些，多收幾個、少收幾個無妨。

121.茶具如何收拾

茶具的擺置與收拾沒有一定的程席要求，只要有規劃、有條不紊地進行即可，因為雜亂無章地擺置與收拾會破壞寧靜的心情，所以妥善地規劃、事先的演練是必要的。

122.泡茶結束後還剩有茶湯怎麼辦

應該帶多大的茶壺，應該沖多少的水方能恰好供應所需要的杯數，這是事先需要作準備的。臨場操作時，萬一湯量少了，每杯可以少倒一些，或是不足的一杯留給自己。萬一多了，下一道少沖一點水，若是到最後一道還剩有茶湯，那就自己多喝一些把它喝掉。不要忘了，做什麼事都要有足夠的準備，將湯量控制得剛剛好是無我茶會的要求。

123.個人泡茶位子的復原

收拾完茶具，自己的座位與周遭環境應該是乾淨、整潔的。座位號碼牌如果是紙片做的，就坐時就把它收掉，連同報到時抽到的號碼簽一起放入茶具袋內；如果號碼牌是件紀念品，泡完茶收拾茶具時一併收拾起來。在室內泡茶，收拾完泡茶巾，發現地板或地毯弄濕了，要用茶巾、紙巾擦乾或吸乾。若曾奉茶給圍觀的來賓，檢查一下有沒有遺留下來的杯子。

茶會開始前，若發覺場地不夠整潔，負責場地佈置的茶友與到達會場的與會人員都應該及時清理。茶會進行間，有一塊紙屑在走道上是錯誤的。

124.茶會如何結束

茶會在收拾完茶具，若沒有安排全體合影，就算結束；若安排有合影，則拍完照後結束。若沒有安排合影，個人收拾完茶具，看一看有沒有可以幫忙收拾的公共物品，如果沒有，與鄰近的茶友打打招呼，然後回家。離開會場的路上，遇見茶友，不論熟與不熟的都要打招呼，因為奉茶給陌生人都要恭恭敬敬，哪能見面不打招呼？自己收拾完畢，鄰座還只是開始收拾，不妨陪他一下，免得大家都走了，留下他一人太孤單。

125.公共設施的收拾

無我茶會要求各項行政工作儘量簡化，桌椅等不便搬運的設備儘量不用，如抽籤時不用籤筒而改以紙袋或布袋，簽名簿改以「簽名條」回收黏貼的方式，座位標示圖平躺於地面而不設「立式看板」……，所以公共設施的收拾應該不太費力氣，但原則上還是由負責該項工作的茶友負責回收。如何在輕鬆愉快的情況下辦好活動是無我茶會的一項考驗。

126.茶會後全體合影

茶會後大家合拍一張紀念照是很有意義的，把茶會名稱的標示牌也移過來拍攝進去作紀念。會後合影、以及在什麼地方拍攝，也要注明於公告事項上。

127.有些「人」或「事」需要特別感謝或說明時，怎麼辦

無我茶會並沒有在茶會間安排主辦單位說話的時間，有什麼「人」或「事」需要特別感謝或說明時，可利用大家拍團體照，集合好，拍攝前為之。如果人數眾多，需要擴音設備時，剛才品茗後活動的音響可移作這時使用。

 

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