It's All About Tea — tea philosophy

In Japanese tea culture, the words Wa, Kei, Sei, and Jaku, which translate as Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquility, form the backbone of the philosophy of Chado (茶道) – the Way of Tea. These four principles were articulated by Sen no Rikyu in the 16th century as practical guidelines for how tea should be approached, prepared, served, and received.

Sen no Rikyu was the figure who placed value on simplicity, harmony, and direct human presence rather than on exclusivity and excess. His codification of the Four Principles was rooted in principles of Zen and a sharp resistance to ornamental excess. "Wa" reflects the harmony between host, guest, and environment. "Kei" points to mutual regard: how participants are greeted and how tea is handled. "Sei" is referring to both physical cleanliness and mental clarity. And "Jaku" is pointing to the tranquility that comes when these conditions are cultivated over time.

These principles are relevant for practitioners of Gong Fu Cha and Chado alike. While the aesthetics and mechanics of these two tea practices differ, the inner substance of these practices is shared. In this article, we'll examine each of the four principles in more detail to understand how these tools can sharpen awareness, improve practice, and deepen your relationship with tea. (Read more)

In tea communities, especially in those built in Gong Fu Cha, there's a common idea that tea makes you a better person. But does it really? And if it does, how exactly does that happen?

It's something tea drinkers mention from time to time, often casually during a session or as a passing thought. People say tea has a way of changing you, but no one usually digs deeper into why or how.

Still, if you've been practicing Gong Fu Cha long enough, you might notice subtle shifts. You're calmer, more patient, slower to react. Gradually, you're becoming a better you.

This blog post is an attempt to take that idea seriously – not just as a poetic notion, but as something we can look at more closely. What's the mechanism behind it? Is there something in the way Gong Fu Cha works, physically, emotionally, and even neurologically, that explains why it helps people grow?

Let's look at what happens to us when we sit down with a pot of tea and why it might be doing more than just helping us relax. (Read more)

Japanese philosophy offers a unique way of perceiving beauty that is characterized by subtlety, depth, and thoughtful simplicity. This perception emphasizes feelings that arise from nuanced encounters rather than direct statements or elaborate displays. In Japanese tradition, beauty is rarely just about visual appeal; it's rather a quiet invitation for reflection where beauty reveals itself not by overwhelming the senses but by inviting awareness. These concepts are deeply reflected in the mindful appreciation of Gong Fu Cha, the refined elegance of Senchado, and the contemplative intimacy of Cha No Yu.

Although our journey will often touch upon tea culture, the ideas we'll explore are not limited to tea alone. They reflect broader sensibilities in art, design, and daily life. Whether you are arranging a tea space, admiring the thoughtful emptiness of a tearoom, or appreciating the quiet beauty of natural materials, these principles can guide us toward deeper awareness and richer experiences.

Let's explore how the concepts that shape the Japanese perception of beauty can elevate our tea practice and teach us to appreciate life's quiet moments. (Read more)

In every person's life, 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 with them influences 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)

We recently returned from a trip to China, where we had the opportunity to meet some truly remarkable people. Among them were Tea Masters (when I say "Tea Masters", I refer to those who produce teas); teachers of Tea Art, who impart the nuanced practices of tea preparation and appreciation; pottery artists, whose craftsmanship is integral to the Gong Fu Cha experience; and many others deeply connected to the world of tea. This journey took us to some of China's most significant tea regions, places where the essence of Gong Fu Cha is alive and thriving.

I feel compelled to share my thoughts and impressions from this trip while they are still fresh in my mind and heart. In this blog post, I want to touch on one of the lessons that left a lasting impact on me. I want to share my observation on the contrasts between the Western and Eastern approaches to Gong Fu Cha by comparing Chinese tea practices' intuitive, flowing nature to the more structured and rule-bound methods often favored in the West. (Read More)