On the evening of August 27, 2015, the third Lingyin Grateful Tea Ceremony for Filial Piety began with the melodious sounds of applauds in the air. Attendees of the tea party included the Lingyin Sangha, lay Buddhists, Buddhist believers, and representatives of filial piety. 

The tea ceremony was hosted by Master Shengxian of Lingyin Temple and the famed host of CCTV Zhang Yue. The tradition of Lingyin Yunlin Tea Ceremony – offering three courses of tea – was followed with the melodious sounds of such musical instruments as gu qin, gu zheng and Chinese flute. The peaceful yet fascinating atmosphere provided a chance for everyone to reflect on themselves, their space, and clear the mind.  

Ven. Guangquan spoke during the event’s interview, ＂The development of Buddhism in modern society falls back on the strength of culture for culture has a pervasive influence on people in relation to religions. It is a better way for Buddhism to integrate into society as a form of culture. The promotion of humanistic Buddhism is also a form of culture. ＂

As the third consecutive year Lingyin Temple organized activities for filial piety on Ullambana Festival, the grateful dedication is in the hopes of promoting the Buddhist filial piety culture to the society and calling for more attention to the care for parents and the elderly in the aging society. The intention also calls on the general public to never forget to look after their parents and share the notion of gratefulness with others so as to help build a harmonious society. 

Ven. Shengxian of Lingyin Temple presiding over the tea ceremony.

Chan tea performance

Performance of Guqin

Performance of Guzheng

The host of CCTV Ms. Zhang Yue

interviewing three representatives of filial piety.

Ven. Benkong led the crowd in reciting The Heart Sutra. 

Ven. Tongrun read the aspiration prayer of Yunlin filial piety.