In the Northern Hemisphere, today is officially the first day of autumn. For many of us, this means cooler weather, warmer colors. Also, many of us are finishing up our fresh green teas while slowly turning towards the heartier, darker ones! When the weather cools, things tend to slow down. Nature gradually becomes barren, and the streets grow more silent. What better time to slow our pace and practice Zen while enjoying our favorite autumn tea?
Zen Definition
Zen is a sect of Buddhism. However, it is more. Zen is a practice of presence in the moment; it is wisdom with no mind, an intuition. It is hard to call Zen a religion, as it has no dogma or set of rules. In Zen, everything is equal; every moment is equally important. In truth, Zen is hard to define, and its interpretation varies from person to person.
How are tea and Zen related?
Beyond the aesthetic principles of Zen, tea has been closely tied to this spiritual practice since its very origins. Buddhist monks played a major role in spreading and refining tea culture in China, growing Camellia sinensis around their temples and developing techniques that shaped some of the country's most celebrated teas.
When it was Japan’s turn to savor the abundant properties of the tea leaf, it was indeed Buddhist monks who made a pilgrimage to China and brought the tea back, enchanted by its exceptional qualities.
The 4 Principles of Zen
• no doctrine or scripture
• direct verbal or non-verbal communication between teacher and student
• leads to the heart of a person
• reveals the truth of nature as it is
In this way, Zen teachings have always been passed down through various practices. For example, meditation, poetry, calligraphy, and tea ceremony.
When thinking of Zen, everything is in its right place, just where it should be. When meditating, we quiet our minds and still our actions. In the tea ceremony, there is nothing extra. Movements are smooth and precise. It is no wonder that the tea ceremony gradually and gracefully came from the Zen mindset. We believe that practicing meditation can deepen your connection with tea and possibly help you discover something new. Read more: Practicing Mindfulness In Simple Tea Meditation.
When choosing a good tea for meditation, think of one with good Qi – energy. Not only does a tea with Cha Qi help us stay awake and alert, but it also helps move our own energy within our bodies. When this happens, it is not uncommon to feel healthier, happier, and more productive. Just what we all need in this chilly autumn weather!
Zen emphasizes living in the moment. The mind always being present and aware. The moment, the now, is always relevant. It is always enough, it is always perfect.
Depending on where you live, some may enjoy the cooler breeze and the bounty of autumn colors. While others may dread it. Either way, the best thing to do is to be in the moment. To understand that the moment is fleeting. In this way, why not enjoy some tea that would fit right into the present?
Our Top Picks For Fall Time Tea
In general, we think that robust black teas, dark oolongs, ripe pu-erh, and Japanese roasted green tea, Hojicha, are perfect for the autumn time. The following, however, are some of our top picks this season:
Autumn Tea Tasting Notes:
roasted, smoky, sweet, citrusy, apples, spices, cookies, caramel, sweet potato, chocolate, woody, earthy.
The possibilities are endless, and everyone has their own flavor and aroma profile that they go to when the weather gets a bit cozier. Which notes do you look for in your autumn teas? Or perhaps you go entirely off the effect the tea has on you? Share with us in the comment section!