The art of practicing Tea Meditation (Ceremony) as well as the great appreciation of fine tea arts all have their foundation in practical Taoist Cultivation. The Tao of Tea known today stems from the Great Tao passed down from ancient Taoist masters.
Throughout the ages, Taoists have embraced Tea Ceremony as a profound method of meditation, drawing upon its transformative power as a means of practice as well as a potent herbal elixir. Similarly, in Chinese and Japanese Zen traditions, as well as within the realm of Tibetan Buddhism, Tea Ceremonies have been revered as a means to elevate the Shen (Spirit), enabling the purification of consciousness and the amplification of awareness. These ancient Eastern traditions have harnessed the powerful meditative qualities of tea, utilising it as a catalyst for meridian activation and to cultivate a steadfast temperament that nurtures the path toward Awakening.
Cha Tao, the Tao of Tea is the highest and most perfected state of tea ceremony for Taoist and Buddhist practitioners in China, Taiwan, Tibet & Japan today and is practiced with simplicity & ordinary mind.
With each sip, each movement, and each breath, the mindful practitioner cultivates an elixir of tranquility that flows through their being, inviting the opportunity to surrender to the present moment. Embracing this stillness, and quietude, they embark on a voyage of spontaneous limitless discovery.
"Within the gentle embrace of our collective tranquil space, we gather, both familiar faces and new, to embark on an enchanting exploration of Tea's profound essence, witnessed from the depths of our own Self Nature!
Together in our weekly Tea Sesshins, we shall delve into the mysteries of tea, ushering time to slow its relentless pace, and the world outside to fade away, allowing the subtle alchemy to unfold before our very eyes."
"no time" Tea!
The first brew cleanses the dreary mind 情思朗爽滿天地
Illuminating my perception of the entire world
再飲清我神
Another brew purifies my spirit
忽如飛雨灑輕塵
Like a flurrying mist softly coating the the ground 三飲便得道
The third brew engulfs the self into The Way
何需苦心破煩惱
Why endure hardship to be free of suffering?
Author: 皎然, Jiao Ran (c. 8th century)
"I practice Meditation regularly to destress and focus. The delightful meditative process of Tea Ceremony and drinking high-quality organic Teas from the pristine Mountains of Japan, Taiwan & China, helps me to concentrate my mind and increase my situational awareness in the air. These aren't ordinary Teas. They are cultivars that have been attended to for thousands of years!"
Dean Litherland Dip. Aviation CPL, Dip. Yoga
Zen Meditation ~ Calm Abiding Meditation
8 limbs Yoga ~ Taoist Tea Ceremony
3 Year Nationally Accredited Diploma of Yoga & Meditation Teaching,
(Bihar Satyananda Yoga 1800hrs); Yoga Alliance 1000hrs;
Cert Tibetan Calm Abiding Meditation Teacher Training
(Lama Choedak Rinpoche)
Dean, a devoted practitioner of meditation for over 30 years, embarked on his Spiritual path after a life-altering encounter with an Apache Indian Spiritual Guide in North America. Through a near-death experience, Dean was exposed to the timeless reality of Self Nature, which ignited his pursuit of yoga and meditation practices to deepen his understanding and share transformative methods with others.
Having explored various complementary traditions, Dean delved into the esoteric knowledge of the 8 limbs of Yoga within Zen, Hindu, and Tibetan Yoga lineages. He received direct Dharma lineage transmission from Japanese Zen Master Hogen Yamahata, and his journey alongside Hogen San further enriched his Being!
Subsequently, Dean took refuge with Tibetan Buddhist Master, His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche, the Dalai Lama's Master, and underwent Tibetan Calm Abiding Meditation Teacher Training under the guidance of Lama Choedak Rinpoche.
Experiencing the profound ordinary groundedness of BEING while casually drinking a few cups of Tea with His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche, Dean woke to the meditation Art of Tea.
In 2009 Dean went on to complete an Australian Nationally accredited 3-year Diploma of Yoga & Meditation Teacher Training (1800hrs/ Yoga Alliance 1000hrs) under the guidance of senior disciples & Swami Niranjananda Saraswati of the Bihar School of Yoga.
Dean's commitment to meditation is grounded in cutting through spiritual materialism and cultivating an ordinary state of Pure Being beyond the delusion of the monkey mind.
In Taoist/ Zen Buddhist Tea Meditation practices he approaches each moment, breath, and practice with mindfulness, recognising the inherent purity, completeness, and sovereignty within the simple practice of sharing and drinking Tea.
Join Dean for enlightening Tea Meditation Sesshins, where you'll enjoy several rounds of the world's finest chemical-free Organic Teas while cultivating your own serene state of BEING!
Bookings Essential 0478 222 022
Hogen San drinks Bancha (番茶) a type of Japanese green twig tea. It is harvested from the second flush of sencha between summer and autumn.
Zen Master Hogen San
Lama Choedak Rinpoche
HE Chogye Trichen Rinpoche
Needs no introduction.
Blessed!
