A Journey of Culture and Calm: A TCA Youth Excursion to Nan Hua Temple
On Saturday the 23rd of August 2025, under the warmth of the gentle South African sun, the TCA Youth members orchestrated a beautifully attended excursion that united 80 participants in a celebration of Chinese heritage and culture as well as Buddhist philosophies and teachings.
The journey began for 50 attendees aboard a coach from Rivonia Central Mall, while another 30 joined via convoy, all converging on the serene grounds of the Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit.
The event was a heartening blend of familiar and new faces, all united by a shared curiosity to explore the depths of our Chinese culture and heritage through the experience of the Chinese Tea Ceremony and the Temple’s profound teachings.
“Participants were transported back 5,000 years to the mythical origins of tea, learning how the accidental discovery in 2737BCE by Emperor Shen Nong”
The centerpiece of the day was an immersive Tea Appreciation Ceremony. Participants were transported back 5,000 years to the mythical origins of tea, learning how the accidental discovery in 2737BCE by Emperor Shen Nong – who found that leaves from a nearby Camellia bush had fallen into his boiling water – unlocked a beverage with immense medicinal and cultural significance. The session traced tea’s evolution from ancient remedy to a cornerstone of ceremonial tradition, delving into its intricate etiquette and the mindful philosophy that surrounds its preparation and consumption.
Following the ceremony, the group embarked on a guided tour of the magnificent Nan Hua Temple. The visit was a visual and spiritual feast, revealing the breathtaking architecture and sacred art that make the temple a beacon of peace and inspiration. It was a profound opportunity to learn about the history, core teachings, and peaceful philosophy of Buddhism within a truly awe-inspiring setting.
The day was so much more than an excursion; it was a successful immersion into tradition, mindfulness, and community, beautifully hosted by the TCA Youth members.
To book your own tour or learn more about about Buddhism and the Nan Hua Temple, visit https://www.nanhuatemple.org
Photos by Paulette Leong and Justin Lee.
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