Temples and Tea: A Japanese Tradition Deeply Linked to Buddhist Ceremonies

Introduction

The tea plant, whose lush green leaves grow on the fences of temples, is not just a simple greening plant. Tea took root in Japan along with Buddhism, and has become an indispensable part of Buddhist ceremonies.

This time, we will introduce you to tea, which is deeply connected to Buddhist ceremonies.

Tea was brought to Japan by monks studying abroad and Japanese envoys to the Tang Dynasty.

In fact, many tea plants are planted along the temple fences.

Behind this lies a complex mix of deeply rooted history and cultural significance.

Tea was introduced to Japan along with Zen Buddhism during the Kamakura period, and was valued as a tool for training to promote mental concentration and purify the mind, and spread mainly to temples.

Because of these benefits, planting tea trees in temple gardens was considered an act of Buddhist significance and became a widespread practice.

There are many tea plants in the temple hedges.

On the other hand, tea bushes also had practical uses as hedges.

Tea plants are shrubs and evergreens that can withstand pruning and create a beautiful green landscape all year round. Tea leaves also repel insects, so they also served to protect temples from pests.

For this reason, the tea bush hedges planted in temples were sometimes seen as a boundary line separating the secular world from the temple, that is, between this world and the afterlife.

Tea spread throughout Japan, primarily through temples, and became deeply rooted in people's lives.

Why tea is used in Buddhist ceremonies

In some areas, when the funeral procession takes place, it is customary to offer tea to the coffin or place tea leaves on it as a prayer for the deceased's soul.

The reason tea is chosen as a return gift for Buddhist ceremonies is thought to be because it can be stored for a long time, is a familiar item that is used on a daily basis, and has a historical background in which temples and tea have had a deep connection since ancient times.

Finally

In this way, the deep connection between temples and tea is not just a custom, but a beautiful tradition nurtured by Japanese history and culture.

Even in today's world where green tea can be easily enjoyed anytime, anywhere, we hope to continue this spirit and pass it on to the next generation by spending time at Buddhist ceremonies talking with people over tea, remembering the deceased, and deepening the bonds with surviving family members.