Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
November 2, 2023

On October 29th, the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Montreal English Subchapter hosted the "Séance Experience The Zen 2023" event at the Main Shrine of IBPS of Montreal. Over 40 guests experienced "Tea and Chan" in Chinese Buddhism, immersing themselves in the charm of Chinese tea, Zen, and vegetarian culture.

During the opening ceremony speech, Venerable Miao Mu, the Superintendent of IBPS of Montreal, introduced the Buddhism subtleties of drinking tea, the origins of Tea and Chan, and emphasized that drinking tea to awaken to the truth is an indispensable part of monastery life.

Venerable Miao Mu introduced the Buddhism subtleties of drinking tea.photo／The Life News Agency

Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, BLIA Montreal English Subchapter had been organizing the "Séance Experience The Zen" event for several years. This year marks the first time the event has been held since the end of the pandemic, and it successfully attracted participants from various sectors of society.

In the soothing melodies playing at the event, nine Tea and Chan masters used graceful body language to create a serene and tranquil atmosphere. They assisted the guests in calming their minds and bodies, teaching them the rituals of incense offering, flower offering, and tea tasting. The attendees learned to approach others with humility, respect, and gratitude.

The attendees learned to approach others with humility, respect, and gratitude. photo／The Life News Agency

Later, the guests enjoyed exquisite vegetarian refreshments in the Five Contemplations Hall and shared their experiences with the Fo Guang members. Many expressed feelings of joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation in both body and mind.

BLIA Montreal English Subchapter President Guan Xiaocun stated that the collective efforts and cohesion demonstrated by the Fo Guang members in the event have garnered positive responses from many attendees. He hopes to attract more people to become members in the future.