The 15th day of the eighth lunar month or the 29th day of September in 2023 was the annual Mid-Autumn Festival each year. Shaolin monks gathered together at the Meditation Hall to enjoy the reunion day and tea-drinking activities on Autumn Festival of the night.

Abbot Shi Yongxin gives a dharma teaching

Drinking tea on the Autumn Festival is a fine tradition that Shaolin monks always stick to. Through drinking tea, not only practice tradition of Tasting Chan in tea is continued, but also the tea-drinking ceremony. Then practitioners could benefit from it and affirm their way of mind.

Drinking tea on the Mid-Autumn Festival

As the event began, the Grand Monk Shi Yongxin, abbot of Shaolin Temple, gave a dharma teaching. He expressed thanks to people for their concern and care of Shaolin Temple for a long time, he looked back on various activities benefiting sentient beings Shaolin Temple has done, and sincerely wishes everyone happy Mid-Autumn Festival, wisdom increasing and good luck.

Overseas Shaolin disciples attend tea-drinking activities on the Mid-Autumn Festival

Buddhists and lay Buddhists join the event joyfully

Then Shaolin Temple’ s tea-drinking activities on Mid-Autumn Festival was conducted orderly. Each present master and believer could taste Shaolin Chan tea, moon cakes and so on. The atmosphere of the scene was harmonious and people were full of dharma joy. (Edited by Zou Xiang and pictures from the Shaolin Temple’ s official website)