Step into a moment of calm with our Zen Movement and Tea Ceremony, a two-hour retreat designed to bring tranquility to the heart of city life.
Time
Session 1: December 15th, 2024, 1—3 pm
Session 2: December 15th, 2024, 4—6 pm
This immersive session invites you to explore a range of Zen practices, including a dharma talk, Zen movement, sitting meditation, and a contemporary tea ceremony inspired by the ancient Chinese literati tradition of the “Winding Stream.” Rooted in a classic ritual from 220–589 A.D., participants sit along a stream’s edge, catching floating cups as they drift by—a tradition reimagined here to provide a unique, mindful experience.
The retreat includes one hour of Zen practices followed by an hour-long “Winding Stream” tea ceremony. Discover practical ways to cultivate clarity, balance, and peace amidst the stresses of daily life in New York City.
Participant Guidelines
Apart from lectures and discussions, we invite you to embrace moments of silence during the activities—no conversation, no cell phone, or other device use. This is a rare opportunity to simply be with yourself, enjoying a peaceful break from the usual rush of thoughts and conversation.
Instructors
David Listen (website: https://davidlisten.com/) has been sharing Chan/Zen meditation and Buddhist teachings for over 15 years, leading retreats, classes, and activities across North America, Europe, and East Asia. Formerly known as Venerable Chang Wen (常闻法师), he was one of the few Western monastic disciples of Chan Master Sheng Yen, spending over a decade as a monk before returning to lay life. Fluent in Mandarin, David has translated Chinese Buddhist teachings and holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. He currently works as a counselor and offers life mentoring to guide individuals in cultivating wisdom in their daily lives.
Mengyan Gong is a tea artist, pursued in-depth studies of Chinese tea culture after earning her Ph.D. from Tsinghua University in 2015, apprenticing under the highly innovative tea master Li Shuyun. Mengyan has collaborated with arts and culture institutions in New York to host numerous tea gatherings and educational events. In 2023, she founded the Teasthetic Studio, with a mission to spread the tradition of Chinese tea art and culture in a modern and innovative manner by drawing inspiration from contemporary life and art.
Gong Mengyan presented a tea ceremony event at Fou Gallery. Photography by Shi Weili.
This event is a collaboration with Fou Gallery. Registration is required, with an admission fee of $65. Limited to only 20 spots per session, ensuring a deeply immersive experience for each attendee.