Ms Stefany, a mother of a K1 student was surprised when she entered the tea ceremony class, ‘I had always thought Ren Wen class is like regular class, where the teacher lectures students on how to behave, but actually the way you do it through this tea class is very interesting.’ Ms Stefany, was one of 75 parents of our N1-K2 students who participated in the Ren Wen workshop on September 6, 2019 in the Gan En building.

The workshop allowed parents to experience and enjoy the tea ceremony session, as part of our humanistic education classes.

The workshop began with 5-minute meditation, which parents found to be very relaxing. At the beginning of every Ren Wen class, students are asked to meditate. ‘We need to clear our minds, and let go of our busy thoughts, so we could focus on savouring the tea,’ said *Ms Mei Rong*, Tzu Chi volunteer who led one of the two classes that day. 

Ms Stefany also added that, after joining the workshop, she would try to apply this in her daily life. ‘You know, normally we’re always rushing in the morning, I think I would learn to take my time and slow my morning, and also learn to be more patient when facing a problem.’

Another positive response also conveyed by Ms Marina, a mother of a K2 student. She felt very lucky to be able to join the Ren Wen workshop, ‘Even though I’ve seen my child attending Ren Wen class before, surprisingly, today I learn so much for myself too, including how to be more patient, and to be more gan en (grateful). We often forget to be grateful for what we have, and forget to hold back our emotions when we need to, and coming in today is a great reminder.’

Through the tea ceremony class, students learn the basic aspect in serving a cup of tea and drink them gratefully. This allows them to learn how to respect each other, respect the elders, including their teachers and parents, as well as to respect the environment. Since without the support of the bright sunshine, fertile soil, and water from the pouring rain, the tea plantation won’t flourish and produce great tea leaves. 

During the tea ceremony class, regardless of the age group, there are three values to be remembered and said before every sip, namely: xīn fā hǎo yuán (to have a good heart), kǒu shuō hǎo huà (to speak good words), and shēn xíng hǎo shì (to do good deeds). With this being practiced often, it is hoped for children to be able to apply the three-value in their everyday life. 

Ms Dini, a mother of K2 student, suggested that Tzu Chi School needs to add the frequency of the Ren Wen class, ‘It is very good, and my kid now behaves a little better, but maybe if you make the class into twice a week, students will remember the values more.’

Tea ceremony class is one out of the three Ren Wen class in Tzu Chi School, which is based on the values of gratitude, respect, and love that teaches students morality, filial piety, discipline, and courtesy.