It's All About Tea — mindfulness

In the tapestry of our lives, certain elements hold profound significance, shaping who we are and how we navigate the world. For me, among other things, two of these elements are the practice of Tea and the philosophy of Buddhism. While they may not always intersect in my daily life, the connection between them is something I feel deeply, influencing my character and perspective in subtle yet powerful ways.

Amid the rush of modern life, it's easy to let this connection slip into the background, to forget that the practice of Tea and the practice of Zen are, in essence, one and the same. Both offer a path to mindfulness, simplicity, and a deeper engagement with the present moment. They remind me to slow down, to savor the here and now, and to find peace in the simplicity of being.

Yet, despite the simplicity of this concept, I often find myself returning to it, seeking to understand and articulate what it truly means for Tea and Zen to be "of one flavor." This blog post is my attempt to explore that connection more fully, to put into words what I believe lies at the heart of both practices and why they are, indeed, inseparable in spirit. (Read More)

In the world of tea, there is a fascinating concept known as "Cha Qi" (茶气) – a notion that adds an intriguing dimension to the tea experience. 

To grasp the essence of Cha Qi, let's look at the hieroglyph 气, pronounced "Qi." Its form signifies an energy that is fluid, ever-present, ever-changing, and elusive – an embodiment of the unseen forces that govern life itself. Within the realm of tea (茶 – Cha), Cha Qi plays a significant role, extending beyond the act of tea drinking to influence the entire tea experience.

In this exploration, we'll delve into Cha Qi as the tea's ability to affect a person's physical and mental state. Beyond being a simple beverage, tea becomes a gateway to altered states of mind and heightened sensations. From teas that help you focus to those that induce a sense of calm, the tea experience becomes a personal voyage where the ordinary transcends into something extraordinary. Throughout this exploration, we'll try to understand and define the enigmatic nature of Cha Qi. (Read more)

Today, we're, once again, delving into the world of Gong Fu Cha, a fascinating Chinese tea practice that combines traditions with the art of brewing. Practice that aims to unlock the full potential of tea leaves through meticulous techniques.

But here's the big question: Is Gong Fu Cha just a brewing technique? Or does it hold a deeper spiritual meaning? In this exploration, we'll dive into the two sides of the debate and unravel the layers of Gong Fu Cha. We'll uncover its connection to mindfulness, cultural heritage, and the pursuit of extracting the most delightful flavors and aromas from tea leaves.

So, grab your favorite teacup and join us as we embark on this journey through the enchanting realm of Gong Fu Cha. (Read more)

In our previous blog post we went through the history of the Cha Xi, or the Tea Space ("Tea Mat") and the ancient's pursuit of the beauty hidden in detail.

Now, we'll get practical by going through the nine essential elements for you to create your perfect tea space. (Read More)

In this blog post, we're touching on an important part of the whole tea experience: Cha Xi, or Tea Space. Setting up a harmonized space is a vital element in experiencing tea. It also helps us reach a calm, meditative state, where we are able to appreciate the moment and enjoy living in the present.

We'll talk about the history of the Tea Space ("Tea Mat") and the ancient's pursuit of the beauty hidden in detail. We'll then review its essential elements and how to use them to arrange our tea space. So, grab a cup, and let's take our tea experience to the next level! (Read More)