Chinese Tea Rituals and Ceremonies

There is a legend about Chan tea: One day, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), two monks traveled very far to visit Zhaozhou (today's Zhaoxian County) to consult Master Congnian, one of the masters of Chan sect of Chinese Buddhism, to discuss what Chan was. Master Congnian did not reply; rather, he asked one monk ,"Have you ever been to Zhaozhou?" "Never," replied the monk. "Go and drink the tea!"，Master Congnian instructed. Then the master turned to the other monk and asked the same question. The monk said:”{have been here ”The master said: "Go and drink the tea!"

At that point, the high-ranking monk who had ushered the two monks into the room, asked Master Congnian :" Master, why did you tell both of them to go and drink the tea, regardless if they have been here before?" Master Congnian spoke the name of the high-ranking monk, who responded. Then the master said: "Go and drink the tea!"

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