Basic & utmost rule in Chinese tea ceremony

In a Chinese tea ceremony people could have chance to taste different kind of teas.  But, it is inappropriate to behave casually in a tea ceremony as if attending a normal tea tasting event. 

Indeed Chinese tea ceremony is more social oriented than Japanese or Korean tea ceremony.  And showing respect is a must.

In Chinese tea ceremony you have a chance not just to appreciate tea and to enjoy a peaceful moment but also to practice good and respectful manners.

Showing respect

• Sit in calm and ease.  

There is no strict rules about how you should sit.  Just relax and enjoy tea in ease.  

However remaining calm and still are important.  Remaining calm and still is not just showing respect to the person who is preparing tea for you, it helps others to know how you would like to be respected too.

• You do can talk and ask questions before sitting down, but should remain still when the tea ceremony begins.
• When sitting around a table, the tea master will pass the tea cup to her/his left hand side in both hands; the left hand side guest should also receive the cup with both hands.  Then that person should serve the cup to her/his left hand side as well and so on.
• Both tea master and guests should remain calm and still during the first three rounds of tea serving.  The box of dialogue is opened after the 3rd round.  

As we all know that meditation is very helpful exercise to relax our body and mind and helps us to reach the inner peace.  Meditation can be sitting still or moving forms.  Chinese tea ceremony is a moving meditation because it  eases your body and mind when anticipating and appreciating a cup of tea.