Tea Ceremony @ KKBCSDS

This morning, at the KKBC Sunday Dharma School, we had for the first time organized a tea ceremony in conjunction with the Chinese New Year Celebration on Feb 18. In this event, the students of the Sunday School, took turns to offer tea to the teachers (as their elders). When the students have completed offering tea to the teachers, parents who were present were invited to "receive" offering of tea from their children. This is a practice of respect for the elders. A grandmother was also present was invited to receive tea. She reluctantly agreed to join in and received tea from her grandchildren. I could not understand half of what she was trying to say but going by the expression, she was happy. I wish I had time (and the ability to converse in Hokkien) to ask her more about how she felt? Was it a practice during her younger days... etc.



Although, I am third generation Chinese in Malaysia with limited Chinese language capability, I think it is important to understand and appreciate in our roots. Our roots forms our culture and defines who we are. It also tell us where we heading by reinforcing positive values. In the practise of Buddha Dharma, cultural roots are even more important as culture, being the nasis of positive social interaction is the door of which experience the Dharma. This is the rational behind the tea ceremony and the vision I hope it will lead towards. Once experienced in the cultural (social level), the practice of Sila, only will we be able to transcend it to samadhi and ultimately achieve panna.

Overall, I felt the event went well - thanks to all the Teachers - I hope this will be a tradition for our children to follow. May you all be well and happy!