What is Tea?
Camellia Sinensis
Is the plant from which all true teas originate—green, black, white, oolong, and more. Native to Asia, its leaves are carefully processed in different ways to create a wide variety of flavors and aromas. Whether delicate and floral or bold and robust, every cup of tea begins with this remarkable plant.
From leaves in a bowl to tea bags,
Tea is enjoyed in many forms. Regardless of its quality or preparation method, it is often seen as medicine, a calming elixir, and a moment of slowness and peace.
When prepared and consumed with intention and mindfulness, tea becomes a moving meditation—an invitation to cherish the beauty of small things and to connect with ourselves and others.
Gong Fu Cha
Gong Fu means 'doing something with skill,' and Cha means 'tea.'
In Gong Fu Cha, we aim to prepare tea in the way it deserves to be prepared. This goes beyond water temperature, heat, or steeping time. It is about the host pouring from a place of centeredness and sincerity; about preparing the space in harmony with the season and the occasion; and about sharing a moment that will never happen in exactly the same way again.
Ichigo ichie" (一期一会)
One time, one meeting
Every encounter is a once-in-a-lifetime event, never to be repeated in exactly the same way again.
-Zen Buddhist Quote
Tea Ceremony
A Tea Ceremony can take shape in many forms, meditational, social & informal or adapt to different life situations as in opening or closing chapters.
Across cultures - from Japan and China to India, Morocco, and Korea - tea ceremonies take many forms. Yet at their heart, they all honor the same essential value: presence.
