This paper uses a renowned collection of Chan 禪 (Zen) “pure regulations” (qinggui 清規) entitled Chanyuan qinggui 禪苑清規 to examine the importance of tea ceremonies (chali 茶禮) and medicinal soup ceremonies (tangli 湯禮) in Buddhist monasteries during the Tang and Song dynasties, as well as the links between these rituals and the cultural history of that era. The Chanyuan qinggui contains detailed information on how tea and medicinal soup ceremonies were actually practiced in monasteries, including timing, preparation, participants, seating arrangements, dialogue between participants, and the burning of incense. The largest and most prestigious of these ceremonies were held on fixed dates during the summer and winter, or to accompany the appointment of monastic administrative personnel. At the same time, however, it is essential to pay attention to the overlap between monastic ritual and contemporary society. My research reveals that many facets of monastic tea and medicinal soup ceremonies derive from similar ceremonies that were performed when officials interacted at state-run dining establishments. Thus, it seems little surprise that Song dynasty Neo-Confucians praised monastic ceremonies as being emblematic of ancient ritual practice. Taken as a whole, then, the historical development of monastic tea and medicinal soup ceremonies reflects the complex interaction between Buddhism monasticism and lay life.
