For Marilyn Tam, the invitation to an event called Tibetan Tea Alchemy, a fundraiser for the Vairotsana Center in Santa Barbara, was too good to resist: "Pure mountain spring water will be frozen into ice sculptures of the five female Buddhist deities. In a sacred ceremony, Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche will invoke these Buddhas to attend the gathering, so the ice sculptures will become the embodiment of the Buddhas. When the statues melt, the water will be boiled to make tea. The tea will first be blessed and filled with the best wishes of all the guests for the perfection of service and community before we partake of it." On a magical Sunday, she drove to a secluded mansion in Montecito for the ceremony. Later, she filed this report.

We were greeted by gracious, smiling people who handed us each a khata (prayer shawl) at the entrance. Walking through the red, white, and green petal-strewn tiled lobby we stepped onto the broad, lush green lawn. There, we greeted Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche who, smiling serenely, gently placed our proffered khatas over our shoulders with a blessing.

The ceremony started with another blessing by Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche, Tulku Orgyen Phuntsok Rinpoche, and Lama Sonam Dadul. Tulku Orygyen Phuntsok then spoke about the purpose of the day. Their goal was to build two stupas, one in our Santa Barbara community and one on retreat land in the Zuni Mountains near Grants, New Mexico. A stupa is an ancient form of sacred Tibetan Buddhist architecture representing the manifestation of the enlightened mind of the Buddha. He explained that the stupas are to be built in the Dudul Chorten (subduing of negative forces) style, as a compassionate response to stop the cycles of war and violence, bring healing and universal peace to the earth, and support favorable and sustainable living conditions for all beings. As he concluded his talk, something made me look up at the sky. There, flying in majestic circles overhead were two beautiful red tail hawks, circling higher and higher until they disappeared from sight. What a wonderful, natural blessing to begin the tea ceremony!

Tea master Jon Oda gently placed the five ice sculptures on the red, white, green, blue, and gold petals decorating a low table in front of the Rinpoches. The colors of the petals represented the five elements and the five wisdoms. The Rinpoches chanted to imbue the ice sculptures with the spirit of the Buddhas represented by each sculpture. We were invited to circumambulate the sacred deities, offering prayers.

Afterward, the tea master reverently removed the ice sculptures to complete their melting and to make the anticipated teas. As we waited, the Tibetan community from the Vairotsana Center performed traditional Tibetan songs and dances. As I watched the performances, I felt a deep appreciation for all the Tibetans, so earnest in their desire to help all sentient beings even while they are living in exile, so far from home. What an inspiring example of compassion and the teachings of their spiritual practice.

When the tea master re-emerged, he was offering the first of what turned out to be many fragrant and unique taste treats. He went first to the Rinpoches who blessed the tea. Then radiant Tibetan ladies dressed in colorful, elegant, traditional robes brought tea to the rest of us. I cradled my white porcelain teacup and breathed in the heady aroma. What a special and rare way to spend Sunday afternoon! We sipped and nibbled as we savored the flute music and chanting of the Rinpoches and the song and dance performances by the members of the Tibetan community.

Finally, there was time for just one more cup. Maybe I was tea-drunk, as the tea master suggested in the beginning, because everyone looked so beautiful and peaceful. How could anyone be angry if they experience this? The warm company of kindred people gathered for a meaningful cause, the blessings of the Tibetan spiritual teachers, the wonderful lilting harmonies of the Tibetan songs and music, the delicious teas and snacks, and the beautiful environment all combined to make the moment one that I will remember for a long time.

For more information, please call 805-899-8177. You can also learn more about Tea Alchemy at tealchemy.org.

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