Abstract: The origin of Chan Tea culture can be traced back to ancient China, where it developed in conjunction with the rise of Chan Buddhism. This article analyzes the historical origins, connotations and characteristics, production techniques and tasting methods, values and benefits, applications and promotion, development and prospects, art and creation, and cultural tourism industry of Chinese Chan tea, illustrating the beauty of the fusion of Zen and tea aesthetics. (A personal perspective; 2024.04)

Keywords: China; tea culture; Chan tea; historical and cultural aspects; value

I. Historical Origins of Chinese Chan Tea

1.1 Origins and Development of Chan Tea Culture

The origins of Chan tea culture can be traced back to ancient China, where its rich cultural heritage is closely linked to the rise of Chan Buddhism. According to historical records, as early as the Tang Dynasty, high-ranking Chan Buddhist monks began integrating tea tasting into their spiritual practices, using tea as a medium for enlightenment, gradually forming a unique Chan tea culture. The classic work “The Classic of Tea” by the Tang Dynasty poet Lu Yu provides a systematic summary of tea culture, containing profound insights into Chan tea culture.

With the evolution of history, Chan tea culture reached its peak during the Song Dynasty. At that time, Chan Buddhist temples were widespread, and Chan monks regarded tea as a companion, using it to gain enlightenment, thus forming unique Chan tea rituals and tasting methods. Song Dynasty literati and scholars also followed suit, combining tea tasting with Chan meditation, further promoting the development of Chan tea culture. According to “Dreams of the Eastern Capital,” at the time, teahouses were abundant in Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng), and the Chan tea trend was prevalent, becoming a fashionable social trend.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, although Chan tea culture faced some challenges, it still maintained its unique appeal. Many eminent monks continued to emphasize tea tasting in their spiritual practices, incorporating tea as part of their cultivation. With the popularization and development of tea culture, Chan tea culture also gradually integrated into broader social life. Today, Chan tea culture has become an important component of traditional Chinese culture, attracting more and more people to learn about and experience its unique essence and charm.

In the development process of Chan tea culture, not only unique tasting methods and rituals were formed, but it also contained deep spiritual connotations. The path of Chan tea emphasizes inner peace and focus, using the process of tea tasting to comprehend the practice of Chan Buddhism. This practice method not only helps improve one's spiritual realm but also promotes social harmony and stability. Therefore, Chan tea culture still holds significant value and meaning in modern society.

1.2 Evolution of Chinese Chan Tea in Different Historical Periods

The historical evolution of Chinese Chan tea is grand and sweeping, closely connected with the rise and fall of Chan Buddhism. During the Tang Dynasty, the emergence of Chan tea culture paralleled the development of Chan Buddhism. At that time, high-ranking Chan Buddhist monks integrated tea tasting and discussions of the Dharma, fusing the spiritual essence of tea and Chan, forming a unique Chan tea culture. According to “Fengshi Wenjian Ji,” tea trees were commonly planted in Tang Dynasty temples, where monks served guests with tea and gained enlightenment through tea, and the Chan tea trend was prevalent for a time.

The Song Dynasty was the heyday of Chinese Chan tea culture. At that time, Chan tea not only became a daily beverage in temples but also became an important carrier for literati and scholars seeking spiritual sustenance. The production techniques of Chan tea in the Song Dynasty reached unprecedented heights, with many famous teas and brands emerging. For example, Su Shi praised the production techniques and quality of Chan tea in his poem “In Response to Cao Fu Sending Tea from Huyuan Test Kiln.”

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, although Chan tea culture faced certain challenges, it remained widely disseminated among the general public. During this period, Chan tea placed greater emphasis on the ceremonial aspect and cultural connotations of Tea drinking, with tea rooms and tea utensils becoming increasingly refined. Additionally, the integration of Chan tea with Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism deepened, forming a distinctive Chan tea cultural system.

In modern times, with social changes and cultural convergence, Chan tea culture has gradually become secularized and popularized. However, its spiritual essence and unique charm remain undiminished. Nowadays, Chan tea has become a fashionable cultural phenomenon, with more and more people beginning to pay attention to and appreciate it. At the same time, the inheritance and promotion of Chan tea culture face new challenges and opportunities.

Through analyzing the evolution of Chinese Chan tea in different historical periods, we can find that it has always been closely linked with the development of Chan Buddhism and has evolved continuously with societal changes. The uniqueness of Chan tea culture lies in its fusion of the spiritual essence of tea and Chan, pursuing tranquility and transcendence through tea tasting and discussion of the Dharma. At the same time, Chan tea culture embodies the breadth and depth and inclusiveness of traditional Chinese culture.

II. Connotations and Characteristics of Chan Tea Culture

2.1 Core Ideas and Spiritual Essence of Chan Tea Culture

The core ideas and spiritual essence of Chan tea culture lie in the perfect fusion of the cultivation philosophy of Chan Buddhism with the artistic essence of the tea ceremony. Chan Buddhism emphasizes inner peace and wisdom, while the tea ceremony focuses on ritual and the improvement of taste. In Chan tea culture, tea is not merely a beverage but also a medium for cultivation. Through the process of brewing and tasting tea, people can experience the “tranquility, concentration, and wisdom” advocated by Chan Buddhism.

The spiritual essence of Chan tea culture is reflected in its unique aesthetic concepts and attitudes towards life. In the world of Chan tea, every tea leaf contains the essence of nature, and each brewing process is a manifestation of reverence and respect for life. Chan tea enthusiasts carefully select tea leaves, control water temperature, and master brewing techniques to perfectly present the color, aroma, flavor, and shape of the tea, allowing people to feel the beauty of life and harmony with nature in tasting.

According to relevant research, practicing Chan tea culture has positive effects on personal self-cultivation and mental health. By participating in Chan tea activities, people can learn how to find inner peace amidst a busy life and maintain clear-headedness and calm in complex interpersonal relationships. At the same time, the simple, natural, and harmonious lifestyle advocated by Chan tea culture helps establish correct values and outlooks on life.

In modern society, the inheritance and promotion of Chan tea culture are particularly important. By organizing Chan tea cultural events, offering Chan tea courses, and promoting Chan tea tourism, more people can understand and experience the charm of Chan tea culture. At the same time, modern technological means such as the Internet and social media can be utilized to expand the reach and influence of Chan tea culture. It is believed that in the near future, Chan tea culture will become an essential choice for many people seeking spiritual life.

2.2 Unique Aspects of Chinese Chan Tea Culture

The uniqueness of Chinese Chan tea culture lies in its rich cultural heritage and unique value for cultivation. Chan tea is not just a beverage but also a way of cultivation and nourishment for the soul. Under the influence of Chan tea culture, people can experience inner peace and tranquility in the process of tea tasting, achieving the purpose of cultivating the body and mind. According to relevant data, in recent years, the audience for Chan tea culture has gradually expanded, with more and more people paying attention to and appreciating it. This not only demonstrates the charm of Chan tea culture but also reflects modern people's pursuit of spiritual life.

The uniqueness of Chan tea culture is also reflected in its production techniques and tasting skills. The production process of Chan tea is very meticulous, requiring multiple steps, each imbued with deep cultural connotations. When tasting Chan tea, people need to use professional techniques and methods, observing the color, smelling the aroma, and tasting the flavor to appreciate the unique character of the tea. This unique tasting method not only allows people to better appreciate the beauty of Chan tea but also enhances their aesthetic ability and cultural literacy.

In addition, Chan tea culture emphasizes harmony with the natural environment. In the inheritance of Chan tea culture, people emphasize the principles of respecting and conforming to nature, carefully selecting raw materials and growing environments for tea leaves and using traditional production techniques to maintain the natural quality and unique flavor of Chan tea. This concept of living in harmony with nature not only embodies the ecological wisdom of Chan tea culture but also aligns with modern people's pursuit of green and healthy lifestyles.

In summary, the uniqueness of Chinese Chan tea culture lies in its rich cultural heritage, unique value for cultivation, exquisite production techniques and tasting skills, and harmony with the natural environment. These unique aspects