When Oriental Chan Meets the Capital of Design

2024-04-24



The highly anticipated Milan Design Week 2024 commenced with a grand opening on April 15th. As a major event in the world of design, this year's Design Week has drawn designers, artists, cultural scholars, and design enthusiasts from around the globe.

Among the array of splendid activities, the Dhyana Tea Ceremony, meticulously planned and organized by Mindful Peace International (MPI), has emerged as a highlight of the Design Week. With its unique charm and profound Buddhist insights, it has garnered widespread acclaim from guests worldwide.

The Dhyana Tea Ceremony debuted at Milan Design Week, merging the ancient wisdom of Oriental Chan with the traditional Chinese tea ceremony culture. Through the practice of "sipping three cups of tea together in silence," it fostered a return to concentration and tranquility in the present moment. This ceremony offered a unique opportunity for modern individuals to settle their body and mind, engaging with traditional Chan tea rituals, and embracing the Chinese Chan tea principle that "Chan and tea share the same taste."




Using Tea as the Anchor, 

Listening to Silence


Mindful Peace International (MPI) participated in this year's exhibition, themed "Oriental Chan, Dhyana Tea Ceremony." Drawing inspiration from the ethereal atmosphere of Chan and the ancient art of Chinese painting and calligraphy, a scroll bearing the calligraphy "Bring your mind here, and I'll pacify it" cascaded down like a waterfall. As visitors walked through the booth, they experienced the feeling of strolling within a painting.


Since the tea ceremony opened, guests from various countries have visited the booth to immerse themselves in the beauty of Chan, with 85% of the attendees being non-Chinese. A guest from Rome, after participating in the tea ceremony, praised the experience: "There is a magical energy here! My mind quieted down immediately upon sitting. Drinking the tea made me feel much more relaxed. This is a fantastic experience, and I plan to bring my friends here again this weekend!"


Lisa, an architect from the US, was deeply moved by the "listening to silence" session during the Dhyana Tea Ceremony. She expressed her astonishment, saying, "I never knew life could be so tranquil and beautiful." Additionally, there were attendees who participated in the tea ceremony multiple times. Each visit, they reported, brought a unique sense of tranquility and peace, making them feel momentarily detached from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.


Volunteers at the Dhyana Tea Ceremonies have observed that attendees from various countries, despite facing language barriers, used the serene Chan space and fostered silent communion. Without words, participants used eye contact to connect heart to heart. As they shared three cups of tea in silence, guests felt moved and comforted, experiencing a deep sense of inner peace.

Why did the Dhyana Tea Ceremony captivate international guests with its charm from the very beginning? How is it that people from diverse cultural backgrounds can feel the power of tranquility and peace within just a few minutes of the tea ceremony? The answer lies not in the tea itself, but in Chan.


The organizers of the Dhyana Tea Ceremony said that tea is widely appreciated by the public. Drinking tea also helps people calm their bodies and minds, become more open-minded, and leads to contemplating the meaning of life and appreciating their present feelings. However, they emphasized that beyond the act of drinking tea, greater importance is placed on unlocking the inherent awareness within each individual.


People in modern society face a lot of pressures, making the search for inner peace and relaxation a common pursuit. The Dhyana Tea Ceremony offered a Chan tea experience specifically designed for busy modern individuals. This practice merged Chan meditation with the tea ceremony, helping participants achieve inner tranquility and peace through the process of tea drinking.


During a mindfulness reading session, a young man from the UK was particularly moved, shedding tears during the discussion. He shared that The Five Major Questions of Life had stirred deep inner confusion, unearthing issues he had long kept suppressed. Indeed, the eternal questions of humanity and life are universal; they transcend nationality, race, and culture, lying dormant within each person's heart. Often, we become too absorbed in the minutiae of daily life or shy away from these questions because they seem overwhelming. Yet, without confronting these fundamental questions, we will always be left with a sense of restlessness.



Connecting through Cultures, 

Building Positive Bonds


During the exhibition, Mindful Peace International (MPI) enhanced the guest experience with more than just Dhyana Tea Ceremonies. They offered interactive reading sessions, elegant art performances, and a "Books for Bonding" event. These activities provided guests with access to a broad array of cultural experiences, all imbued with a spirit of mindful peace.


Every day, the MPI exhibition space buzzed with cultural performances that highlighted Eastern traditions. Guests from across the globe were captivated by a variety of activities, including Chan music, incense seal crafting, Tai Chi, ancient zither performances, and the preparation of whisked tea. Visitors felt privileged and fortunate to immerse themselves in these traditional Chinese arts in Milan. By engaging in these activities and interacting with MPI volunteers, visitors developed a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and distinctive allure of Eastern culture.


Every good book serves as a ferry to new horizons. At the MPI booth, a diverse collection of Venerable Master Jiqun's books, available in both Chinese and English and ranging from healthy living guides to mind cultivation manuals, attracted a wide readership. Visitors were captivated by the works of Venerable Master Jiqun, which explored various themes. Readers immersed themselves into the texts, seeking insights to foster their spiritual growth.


In response to the keen interest from visitors, MPI volunteers conducted several bilingual reading sessions daily. They created a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that encouraged connection. This laid-back vibe drew many visitors, who enjoyed stopping by to sip tea, delve into good books, and engage in meaningful conversations. Swapping stories and insights with MPI volunteers became a highlight for many.



Cultivating Tranquility through Chan, 

Unveiling the Light Within Life


Chan, an ancient Eastern practice, transcends cultural and religious boundaries, offering an inspiring experience that left many participants in awe.

On television displays, the English version of Venerable Master Jiqun's lecture series on "Chan and Tea Practice" was showcased. It provided a clear and comprehensive exploration of the rich history and mindful practices integral to China's Chan tea culture. The master's unique and profound insights captivated many visitors, who paused to watch and listen attentively.

Mastering Chan tea requires both technique and mindset. Each Dhyana Tea Ceremony is a practice in mindfulness. By closing your eyes, becoming aware of your breath, and focusing on the sensations within your breath and body, you will gradually uncover a profound sense of inner peace and tranquility.

Mindful Peace International (MPI) reported that the enthusiastic response from attendees at the Milan Design Week exhibition far surpassed expectations, highlighting the significant role of Chinese Chan tea in facilitating cross-cultural communication. In light of this, MPI will continue to promote the Dhyana Tea Ceremony, helping more people discover and cultivate their inner peace and strength, and empowering them to face life's challenges with greater composure and confidence.

The Dhyana Tea Ceremony exhibition, which will continue until April 21st, promises a mesmerizing journey into the essence of Eastern mindfulness culture. With a minimum of five tea sessions offered daily alongside an array of cultural activities, the exhibition is an invitation to immerse oneself in the charm of mindfulness. We warmly welcome all to join us and experience the beauty of Chan first-hand.





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