论禅茶文化的形成与实质

A Tentative Discussion of Zen in Tea Culture

东方茶文化有"禅茶一味"的说法,意在禅与茶的结合与相通。究其根本,禅是佛教的一种修行方式,茶是一种制作饮品的自然原料,两者本无必然的联系。禅茶文化的形成是中国古人"援茶入禅"的结果,是基于两者在性质与功能上的联系。随着中国佛教禅宗的变迁发展,禅茶逐渐成为一种僧团内部接引学人的善巧方便,其物质功能性意味不断降低。现代化的今天,禅茶更是演变为普通大众休闲娱乐的生活方式。不过,禅茶文化贵在其宗教性的超越意义,对禅茶文化的理解不可执于表象,而更应该探求它的精神内涵与思想实质。

Zen and tea fused and became a cultural phenomenon in ancient China. According to experts, the fusion yielded from the natures and properties of the two. As Zen evolved and spread in China, tea became a hospitable and popular beverage in reception of Buddhist monks and scholars. The beverage became increasingly more than a mere drink. Today, the Zen tea is a leisure drink popular in everyday life.