Cha Dao & Qigong

國際茶亭 Tea & Tao Magazine Global Tea HutOctober 2014 活 Qi Cultivation 力甦醒 GL BAL TEA HUT Tea & Tao Magazine ContentsISSUE 33 / OCTOBER 2014

Qi Cultivation

We’ve devoted this issue to energy (Qi) and its relationship to Tea. We asked Wu De to gather some of his writings on Qi and Tea, combining them with articles written by other experts in our community. We hope that all these amazing LOVE IS insights will help guide your Tea journey, CHANGING THE WORLD and facilitate a deeper appreciation of this BOWL BY BOWL magical Leaf we all adore!

9 THE THREE TREASURES No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval 15 UNDERSTANDING CHA system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, me- QI, PART I chanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior writ- 23 CHA DAO & QIGONG ten permission from the copyright owner. 31 UNDERSTANDING CHA QI, PART II

Regulars

03 TEA OF THE MONTH Summer 2014 Red Tea Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan

13 GONGFU TEA TIPS

21 TEA LEGENDS The Seven Bowls of Lu Tong

27 KOMBUCHA A new regular series by Shane Marrs

37 TEA WAYFARER Solala Towler, USA Letter from the Editor n October, we enter the ninth “Chrysanthemum Moon” of the lunar calendar. The ninth day of the ninth moon is an important day to pay respects to our elders. Nine is an important number in the II Ching, and in Chinese it is also a homophone for the word “forever”—so doubling the nine is like doubling forever. This day signifies longevity, and a festival on this day dates back to the third century BCE. Traditionally, people drink chrysanthemum wine or tea and pay respect to their oldest living relative. They also wear dogwood leaves to dispel misfortune. This day might also include a trip to the temple to pray for longevity themselves. Many Chi- nese people go hiking on this day, appreciate the chrysan- themums and eat rice cakes, often reciting poetry that was written for the holiday. One story of this holiday’s origin is about a leg- endary figure named Huan Jing. His parents died of the plague, so he traveled to Zhong Nan Shan to learn medicine and save others. While there, a Daoist immortal took pity on him and gave him a blue dragon sword that could dispel demons. The immortal said another plague demon would arrive on the ninth day of the ninth moon and urged him to gather the people of his village on a hill Wu De outside town, luring them with the promise of chrysan- and to the lives of everyone involved. Every single person themum wine. Huan Jing took the villagers outside town in this community that I have met is amazing, and we’ve and gave them dogwood to protect them, though he him- always bonded right away, which assures me that I can say self stayed behind to combat the demon. He slayed the I already love those of you I haven’t met as well! demon with his magic sword and was immediately a hero We hope you notice the improvements in this mag- worth celebrating, then to now... azine, as we seek to inform you more about tea and Cha Around this time, it really begins to feel like Dao and to do so in the best way we can. Looking back at Autumn in Taiwan. We start shifting more and more the magazine from January of this year to this, the tenth into aged oolongs, aged sheng puerh and the occasional month, you can see such a dramatic improvement in the shou puerh. The world starts to shift towards a more res- layout, pictures, articles and other content. We have been tive, Yin energy. The days grow shorter, but also lazier. true to our word that as the community expands, we will Some tea farmers will have a Fall harvest. That happens utilize some of the growing energy towards improving once every five to ten years in Wuyi. In Yunnan, on the this experience. And so many of you have also been true other hand, it is quite common to have a Spring and to yours, helping us to spread the word! an Autumn harvest. The energies of these teas are very Let’s continue our effort to get a new member every different. The Spring tea is vibrant and Yang, while the month so that we can reach our goal. Not only does this Autumn tea is usually softer, smoother and less potent. result in a better magazine, more varied teas and articles, Sometimes Autumnal puerhs are amazing. It’s fun to but it will also fund the construction of our new center, drink a few at this time of year, as well. We find ourselves Light Meets Life. This is a unique project, as this expe- turning to Autumn teas from the previous year, though, rience supports a center that you can visit, learn about as the age and rest makes the tea more suitable for the meditation and Cha Dao, as well as to retreat and gain cooler weather here in Taiwan. Since it is so hot in the perspective. And then, upon returning home, the mag- summertime, the coolness of Autumn is often a relief—a azine is more meaningful. Having visited here and met time to finally shut off the air-conditioning. the authors, these pages will be more personal and heart- As you are reading this, I am in Spain conducting felt. We want to continue to encourage this movement a retreat and several workshops on tea and Cha Dao. My from magazine to center and back to magazine, even now heart is over-flowing with gratitude for all the meaning before we build our future center! A bowl always awaits and purpose this community has brought to my own life, you at the Tea Sage Hut...

2 Tea of the Month Summer 2014 Red Tea Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan

“Elevation” is the only tea we share annual- ly in Global Tea Hut, and for good reason. It’s the tea we send home with every guest at the center. And there’s no better tea to ac- company an issue devoted to Qi cultivation than this one, inspiring energy to rise!

茶道

t’s that time of the year again! mals, molds and bacteria—and there gressed north into colder climes, The only tea we repeat every are, of course, no chemicals used in until they get so small in places like year; the return of the classic its production. The trees also have a Japan that, when they are rolled, they ISun Moon Lake red tea we’ve come healthy relationship with the people look like little needles (like sencha or to call “Elevation”. The tea for this who care for them, achieving all five gyokuro). Our tea of the month is a month is one of our all-time favorite measures of Living Tea! (Check the large leaf varietal, like puerh. teas, and the one we send home with box on the opposite page for the new When the Japanese conquered every traveler who stops at our center! sixth.) It shines with a bright and Taiwan, they wanted to develop sev- You could say it’s our signature tea: uplifting energy that makes it the eral long-term agricultural projects the one we use to introduce new tea perfect morning tea, radiating your to help their economy. They brought wayfarers to the path—the first way- day and filling it with “elevation”. It many large-leaf trees and saplings, side sign on the road. It’s also one of is simple and true, and you feel like as well as seeds, from Eastern India the teas we like to serve when we set you know it after your first bowl, as to make red tea plantations, choos- up our roadside huts, serving tea to if a beloved friend from another life- ing Sun Moon Lake for its acces- passersby. time returned. sibility and for the way the terroir Since this month’s issue is all As you may remember, there was similar to the original homes of about Qi cultivation through a tea are two main varietals of tea: small these trees. Soon after, the Japanese practice, this is the perfect tea. Ele- leaf and big leaf. Originally, all were expelled and their gardens were vation is full of a bright and radiant tea comes from the forests in and abandoned. Qi that moves with verve, making it around Southwest China: Yun- In the coming decades, these easy to begin experiencing this aspect nan, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and semi-wild gardens would grow up of tea appreciation. Later on in this Eastern India. The original trees and also produce completely wild issue, we’ll discuss some things you were single-trunked, with large offspring, as well as adapting and can do to prepare for an experience wide crowns that can grow several relating to the local terroir in all of the Qi in tea and in yourself, meters in height. The roots are also the amazing ways a tea tree can— connecting to a meditative mind deep, extending down into the earth through the soil, the insects, rain through this month’s tea session. before branching. Then, as Tea trav- and minerals, sun and rock. Our tea This amazing red tea is defi- eled north and east—naturally or by comes from one such small, organic nitely a Living Tea, in all the ways human hands—it adapted to colder, and ecological garden consisting pri- we have been discussing in previ- sometimes higher, climates and ter- marily of semi-wild trees with some ous issues of these newsletters: It is roir. These trees, called “small leaf”, wild ones scattered throughout. seed-propagated, the trees have room developed to have several trunks, like The farmer, Mr. Shu, is an and space to grow, there is a living a bush, with roots that extend out- amazing man. Many of his neigh- relationship with the local ecology— wards rather than down. The leaves bors have utilized their gardens to undergrowth, plants, insects, ani- got smaller and smaller as Tea pro- create more industrial tea plantations

3 No Irrigation

Irrigation is an aspect of plantation tea that we don’t always discuss in relation to Living Tea. It is relevant, though. Living Tea is not irrigated. Some of Mr. Shu’s tea trees will wither as a result, but this is natural. They are a single spirit, and connected at the core. By not irrigating the trees, the output varies—in amount and quality. Every season will have a completely different flavor, aroma and Qi. This also requires more skill, as the farmer has to adapt their processing to suit the water content of the season’s leaves. If it rains less, for example, Mr. Shu will have to change the and get rich. He says he only wants ancient Daoist texts— way he withers the tea and for how long. enough to provide for his family, and even the simplest peo- Living Tea is not irrigated because that therefore keeps it simple and organic. ple can achieve har- is the natural state of Tea. This makes Mr. Shu He has even bought up some nearby mony with the Dao, dependent on Nature, grateful for the rain. The property so that he can control the mastery of life and a most important aspect of this issue, though, proximity his trees have to anything great wisdom that we is that the trees that are not irrigated will grow harmful that others may be using. all can learn from. He deeper and stronger roots, seeking the water deep For that reason, the tea is incredibly said that at that time, down in the mountain. Encouraging the trees to clean and bright, speaking to its long he received less. If he grow deeper roots and to grow independently heritage here in these mountains, were to stress about ensures their health and longevity. It also brings and beyond to the older forests its that, or worse yet com- deep mountain Qi into the trees, changing the ancestors once lived in at the foot of promise his values and nature of the leaves as well. So let’s add a sixth the great Himalayas. turn to pesticides for characteristic to our list of what makes “Living Mr. Shu is a second-generation help, it would be like Tea”: no irrigation! farmer with an incredible attitude. rejecting his destiny, While his neighbors constructed arguing with Heaven. new-and-improved houses with sat- Furthermore, he said ellite dishes, he stayed humble, sim- that it would show how ungrateful lack and loss sooner or later. If you ple and in love with his work and he was for what Nature had given resist and argue with Heaven that trees. Last year, there was a drought him. “We should be grateful for what your destiny is unfair, you don’t learn compounded by pests that decimated Nature provides and accept the times and there will be greater misfor- the area—insects that come only that Heaven takes from us—learning tune later. Better to accept whatever every decade or so. When we talked from times of having less, or even Nature gives us and be grateful for to him about it, he responded with losing what we have, as much as in it. I have less this year, but it is okay great wisdom, proving that—like the times of abundance. We all will face because I saved when I had more

4 Tea of the Month last year; and maybe next year I will Europe, and even more importantly it is withered, traditionally on bam- have more again.” There couldn’t be with the general lack of information boo trays stacked on shelves built to deeper life lessons than these! for the first few hundred years tea was hold them. The withering of red tea Once again, it is import- traded. Europeans weren’t allowed is very long, usually from twelve to ant to understand that what most inland in those days, and never saw twenty-four hours. It is then rolled Westerners call “black tea” is actu- the tea trees nor the processing of for an exceptionally long time, to ally “red tea”. Ordinarily, it doesn’t the leaves. You could see how easy it continue the oxidation and break matter what something is called, but would be to spread misinformation, down the cells. It literally turns into in this case there is actually a prob- buying tea through middlemen in a pasty mass in the process. Then it lem, because there is another kind of broken pidgin. is dried, usually in an oven. Our tea, Chinese tea that is called “black tea” We repeat this every time however, is completely different. The (characterized by post-production, we send a red tea, because it is an farmers think we are crazy, but we artificial fermentation). So if you important mistake that we tea lovers ask them to decrease the withering call red tea “black tea”, then what do have to correct, so that the real black and the rolling period, leaving some you call black tea? The reasons for tea can have its name back! green in the leaves, which you will this error are to do with the long dis- Most red tea is processed in see when you brew them (essentially, tances tea once traveled in chests to 3-4 phases: first it is picked and then we’ve asked that the tea be less oxi-

Caretaker of the Land

Mr. Shu has a deep love for Nature. All his farms are organic. He even purchased the adjacent lands, through years of saving, as he was concerned that the agricultural practices of his immediate neighbors would influence his own beloved tea. Betel nut is a mild intoxicant sold throughout Asia. The tree is easy to grow, requiring little care, so many farmers plant it around their tea to supplement their income. This kind of palm is unhealthy and bad for the land, however, depleting the soil and causing landslides due to its root structure. It has a negative impact on the energy of the tea as well. Consequently, Mr. Shu has killed the betel trees that were on the neighbor’s land that he purchased to protect his own trees. The dead trunks are then invaded by grubs that quickly con- sume the pith of the betel trees. When split open, this will make a nice fertilizer for the tea trees.

5/ Sun Moon Lake Red Tea Mrs. Shu happily picking this month’s tea for you!

dized than that which is produced astringent, but we can accept a bit of This year the tea was a bit more commercially). The reason for the that along with the sweetness, can’t oxidized than usual, due to a lack of complete oxidation in normal red tea we? And isn’t that a significant life rainfall. Mr. Shu still decreased the processing is to make the tea sweet lesson as well? In the end, we’d rather withering and rolling for us, but not and delicious. Nevertheless, we have have a slightly less delicious tea with as much as in previous years. The found that such extreme processing incredible and relaxing Qi than the raw tea leaves themselves were also removes some of the tea’s Qi, and other way around. more astringent, so a bit more oxida- distances it from the mountain and Mr. Shu smiles and says he tion was necessary. For these reasons, deep essence it touches. This is espe- likes our quirkiness. We hope you we stored the tea for a few months cially relevant when the tea leaves will understand why we make our before sending it to you, allowing the were plucked from old-growth, big red tea like this. We don’t produce it flavors to mellow out and the Qi to leaf tea trees. The leaves of these for sale, only for free. We only wish become smoother and softer. large-leaf trees are often bitter and we could give it to you for less. 6 Tea of the Month

Brewing Tips for This Month’s Tea

We recommend putting these leaves in a bowl, meditation. Then pass the bowl between you, sharing watching them unfold in the oldest brewing method a single bowl as you share a single encounter, a single around, older than the pyramids in fact! Elevation is chance… the penultimate bowl tea! It often defines this brewing Try sitting cross-legged and putting a few leaves style, as so many of us started our tea journey drinking in a bowl. Sit and soak up the warmth and feel how it this very tea in this very way. It is a great morning tea, invigorates you. It has an incredible energy that calms leaving you awake, bright and calm. Try waking up a bit and uplifts simultaneously. Try this for a few days and earlier one morning, alone or with some loved ones. Put you will find that afterwards your outlook each morning more or less leaves in your bowl, to your taste, and fill is getting brighter and your life is starting to change— it with hot water. As it steeps, have a moment or two of and all from a few leaves scattered in a bowl…

Leaves and water Subdue Poison dragons of the mind. Tamed, These red-ribbon streaks Carry me past Mt. Penglai, Where the temple bells ring, To a spot in the hills Where I can be alone. —Wu De

7/ Sun Moon Lake Red An 80-year-old tree, one of many in this month’s tea. Qi Cultivation The Three Treasures Andrew Taylor

Chinese cosmology is defined by the three treasures of Jing (精), Qi (氣) and Shen (神). They have informed its rich culture, my- thology, medicine and even everyday life for centuries. Andy introduces these three piv- otal energies in a concise way that helps us relate to them. 茶氣

s you get to know more health to be based on three special body form and substance and con- of Chinese culture, with substances or energies, known as nects us to our ancestral past through its many rich traditions, the “Three Treasures”, or “san bao” the genetic code. Of the Three Trea- Abeliefs, and practices, you discover (三寶); Jing (精), Qi (氣) and Shen sures, it’s the one most closely related that the principles on which it’s all (神). These energies may be trans- to our physical body, manifesting as founded upon are not at all separate, lated as “essence”, “vital energy” and semen in men and helping to create but derive from the same root phi- “spirit-mind”, though they cannot marrow in our bones. losophy. The calligrapher and martial be fully understood solely by English In the Chinese medicinal arts masters’ movements both origi- equivalents. Let’s dive into these con- paradigm, Jing is classified into two nate from the center, or dan tien; the cepts, which date back to Lao Tzu types: Our genetic code, given to farmer and fortune teller both use the and the Yellow Emperor… us by our mother and father, and lunar calendar to predict a harvest or further back our ancestors’ ances- an auspicious date for a wedding; tors, is known as Pre-Heaven Jing and the soup at dinner and medicine The Tao gives birth to One. (xian tian zhi Jing, 先天之精), from the Chinese doctor both con- One gives birth to Two. literally the “Essence of Early tain ingredients to help strengthen Heaven”. This can be viewed as the blood and benefit the eyes. And Two gives birth to Three. the stock that we are given as we so many of these aspects of Chinese Three gives birth to all things. enter this world. After birth, Post- culture—from language and reli- Heaven Jing (hou tian zhi Jing, gion to tea, medicine, poetry, art and —Dao De Jing 後天之精) or “Essence of Later craftsmanship—all relate to the way Heaven”, is the Jing that we will of Heaven and Earth (Yin and Yang). The First Treasure acquire ourselves, beginning at The ancient Daoists believed Man infancy, through intake of food and to be between Heaven and Earth, as The first treasure, Jing water. no dissociation exists in the mutual (essence, 精), is the original life At birth, our Jing determines relationship between all three. That force, the true Yang of life and root the constitutional strength of the which is of Heaven and Earth, is also of our vitality. Early Chinese medical body, and a deficiency at an early age of Man. And so living within the texts refer to Jing as the basis of the can be seen in slow growth or poor Dao means living in harmony with human body, constituting all of our development of the brain, bones, Heaven and Earth energy. blood and fluids. It is the material teeth, structural deformities, and Thus, sages were acutely aware that fosters our body’s development even mental retardation. In adults it of their energetic bodies and their and sexual reproduction, as well as manifests as impotence, lower back lives were oriented towards cultiva- controlling our birth and growth, pain, deafness, and balding, thinning tion and preservation of their ener- eventually waning as we age into or graying of the hair. Ultimately, the gies. Ancient Chinese culture saw death. In a broad sense, Jing gives our

9 Leaves water and heat, the Jing, Qi & Shen of Tea complete loss of Jing results in our part in nourishing Jing. The most all transformative processes of life. If death. common Jing herbs are cordyceps, Jing is the basis for the human body, In Daoist traditions, conserva- the herb known as “he shou wu Qi is the basis for the whole cosmos. tion of Jing was practiced for health (何首烏)” and goji berries. Exhaus- All movement and transfor- and longevity, and their lifestyle tion of Jing, or “Jing depletion” as mation within the Universe arises and daily practices were oriented as it is often called, is caused by stress, from Qi. It has many forms and such. With its relationship to sexual overwork, alcohol or drug intake, or functions and human life depends function and the kidneys, reducing excessive sexual activity. on its existence. We are continuously the frequency of sexual activities, breathing Qi, eating Qi, and interact- or complete celibacy (especially in ing with Qi in every moment of our winter), was practiced as one such The Second Treasure lives. Our state of health depends on conservation technique. In modern the condition of our Qi. Any lack or times, Jing cultivation is often just a Of the Three Treasures, Qi stagnation of it will cause imbalances lifestyle that promotes well-being— (氣), or “vital energy” is the one in our body, creating dysfunction one that includes adequate rest, a that is most familiar in the West- and dis-ease in the organ systems. If healthy diet in accordance with the ern world. It is known as “prana” in Qi is depleted, we must nourish it seasons, meditation, yoga or Qigong. Hindu culture. Qi is the invisible life and if there is too much, it must be Chinese herbs also play an integral force within everything and behind moved. The generation of Qi occurs

10 Qi Cultivation through the transformation of the air all function and interact through out all aspects of everyday life here we breathe and the food we eat. Qi. Which aspects of our lives need in Taiwan: at restaurants that offer Within our bodies, Qi has five nourishment? Which need to break healthy dishes cooked with Chinese basic functions: activating, warming, through stagnation? herbs or early mornings in the park protecting, transforming and con- Like the differing energies of as the elderly move their Qi by doing taining, all of which relate to one Yin and Yang, Qi can be great and Taiji, Qigong or other traditional another. Our Qi flows within our expansive or condensed and subtle. breath/movement exercises. Another body through the meridian or chan- The energetic difference is appar- example of Yang Sheng occurs during nel system nearer to the surface of the ent when drinking an aged puerh as the month after a woman gives birth. body. This channel system, accessed opposed to a fresh oolong, but do Childbirth results in an extreme through the exterior portion of our you notice the difference when mov- loss of Qi and blood for a woman, body, connects to our internal organ ing the plant on your chaxi slightly so this time is of critical impor- systems at the deeper level. (This closer to the edge? Or the shift in tance to replenish what was lost. The explains how acupuncture affects your energy when you change from mother will rest for a month (called bodily functions through insertion wearing a blue shirt into a red one? “zuo yue zi” or “sitting the month”), of needles into the body at particular Can you taste the difference of the cared for by her own mother at home points on the channel system.) Qi in food when eating organic as or at a special center by a caregiver, Our posture and body align- opposed to non-organic? Yes, Qi is eating a traditional diet to nourish ment influence the flow of Qi everywhere! Qi and blood. Of course, herbs will within the body. Fundamental to One of the best ways to sup- be part of this regimen. The most Taiji, Qigong and yoga practice is port Qi in the body is through diet commonly used Chinese herbs that maintaining correct posture, which and exercise. The Daoist concept of strengthen the Qi to improve diges- enables energetic movement. In “Yang Sheng, (養生)” or “nourish tive, respiratory, immune function this way, we can also examine our life”, which means the cultivation and help build blood include gin- own alignment in life to that which and nurturing of our mind, body seng, astragalus root, schizandra and surrounds us. Work, family, rela- and spirit, is prevalent in Chinese rhodiola. tionships, aspirations, spirituality, society. This can be seen through-

The Third Treasure Our first two Treasures join together within the body, developing into the third Treasure, Shen, (神) known as “spirit-mind”. This is the energy behind our mental, creative and spiritual being, our con- sciousness and awareness, and that which connects us to the Divine. If, as the Daoists say, the meeting point of Heaven and Earth is Man, then Earth energy is the source of Jing and Qi and Heaven energy is the source of our Shen. It resides in the heart and can be seen through the eyes— as the saying goes, “The eyes are the windows to the soul.” Unlike Jing and Qi, Shen does not get passed on from our ancestors. The Shen is developed ourselves, in our daily lives, cultivated through meditation, prayer, music, dance, tea, art, writing, or any creative activity that aligns us with a higher state of con- sciousness.

11/ The Three Treasures The state of our Shen is often depression and heart palpitations determined by how we choose to can all be attributed to a clouded orientate ourselves to the world. or disquieted Shen. To brighten the The way we relate to other people, spirit, any activity that opens, moves, or better yet, the way we relate to soothes and quiets the Heart is rec- everything in this world creates a shift ommended. Finding your own Dao in our Shen. All thought, intention and living through that will certainly and interaction influences Shen, our brighten Shen. In Daoism, reishi spirit. Are you able to regard the mushrooms are highly regarded as mundane as sacred? Are you able to a superior Shen tonic for calming see the light when mired in darkness? the heart and quieting the mind for For us Chajin, Tea acts as a medium meditation. And of course, we need to create space for a calm, peaceful look no further than the tea table to spirit. However, that space is not find the greatest Shen tonic of all! limited to our tea room, and the equanimity felt from drinking Tea With the wisdom passed does not leave us after the pot has down from the ancient wise ones, we been cleaned. We continue to brew are able to facilitate our own under- Tea throughout our day in regards standing and connection to Heaven to everything that we do, cultivating and Earth. We are at the meeting omnipresent, mindful and harmoni- point, and have access to the method ous Shen. and medicine to cultivate our own How does Shen manifest in Three Treasures: Jing, Qi and Shen. our physical body and how can we Now it is up to you to live in har- brighten it? Within Chinese Medi- mony with Great Nature, nurture cine, our Shen is associated with the your own vitality and align your heart organ. Anxiety, restlessness, spirit with the Dao! Gongfu Tea Tips Preserve the Heat Wu De

Over the next few issues, we plan to delve into the poem that preserves our gongfu brewing methods, line by line. In this first episode, Wu De discusses the importance of heat in gongfu brewing and leaves us with some experiments to try.

茶道

ast month, we focused on the In our tradition, the practice role the brewer plays in the and way of gongfu tea is preserved in session, learning how differ- a poem: Lent tea becomes when it is brewed by different people. After exploring that Preserve the heat and begin to absorb peace, understanding, we can again return With slow, gentle and graceful movements to the practical aspects of tea prepa- ration. Moving from the inner to the And a heart free of obstructions outer assures mastery, while the oppo- Everything is finished in one breath. site is not always true. It is sometimes easy to get stuck in the outer form Over the coming four months, ing, the tea doesn’t move through the without grasping the inner, as with we thought we could discuss this body the same. In fact, try allowing a Tea it is also thus in life... poem a bit, line by line, starting with cup of tea to cool down completely You should remember that the first. There is a lot to unpack, and as you drink hot cups of the same everything in gongfu tea has an outer, though we’ve practiced and worked tea and see how weak the Qi flows practical function and an inner, spir- with this poem for years, we haven’t in comparison. This is why most all itual principle governing each aspect yet found its depth. It is a treasure Chinese medicinal herbs are ideally as well—just like in martial arts, trove of deep and lasting teachings, drunk hot. For this reason, the first which it developed from. Much of from how to pour gongfu tea to how principal of gongfu tea is to preserve the practical wisdom in gongfu tea to live. temperature from kettle to guest. has been lost through the ages, and The first line actually has to And that’s not easy at all. much of the inner wisdom as well. be broken into two months, so this Heat stabilizes the art and We are fortunate to be a part of a tra- time we will only be able to discuss alchemy of tea, making the move- dition that has preserved both inner the first part, “Preserve the heat”. ment of energy (Qi) from kettle to and outer teachings. Over time, as Heat is the conveyor of tea; it opens drinker as smooth as possible. The people have sought quicker and more the leaves, extracts the essence and heat awakens the water, which starts convenient technology and ways of spreads it throughout our bodies. a tea ceremony. Around here, tea living, many traditions have been Without heat, a tea is weak and flat. time always starts with the laying of abandoned. First, the inner teachings Heat carries the energy of the tea (and charcoal. Heat begins the dance. And and meanings are lost, and then— the brewer, as you now know from it is through heat that the energy over time—the outer, practical truths last month’s experiment) pushing it within the leaves is stirred to life as are lost too. People stop experiment- throughout our bodies as we drink. well, awakening them from their ing, learning and growing through Try drinking the same tea at a hot- sleep. Over time, in every step of the practice, and, instead, start choosing ter and cooler temperature; while the process, a tea brewer learns the value whatever is easiest and/or quickest. differences in taste might be interest- of heat.

13 We use a variety of charcoal at the center, but mostly coconut husk because it is convenient to arrange and easy for students to learn.

Fine teas always respond to are always exceptions. If you have a For this month, try taking two higher heat, though you can some- fine green tea, try brewing it with hot of the same cups and preheating one times produce a different kind of tea water and cooler water. What are the before you pour tea liquor into both. when brewing light teas at a lower differences? Is one better or just dif- The exercise is simple: preheat one temperature. If a green, white or yel- ferent? If the tea is low quality, then cup with hot water before each steep- low tea is of fine quality, however, it of course the cooler brew will be bet- ing and don’t preheat the other. Then will not be ruined by hot water. That ter as less is extracted (and less of a drink them back and forth quickly, is a generalization. What happens, rough tea is less rough). rather than trying to finish the whole actually, is that a different kind of Upon arriving at our center, of each cup consecutively. Just like in experience is evoked. In other words, guests often feel the tea is too hot, other experiments, and with all these it is a lateral rather than vertical shift as we use charcoal to heat our water. gongfu tea tips, it is better if you use when brewing a fine green tea with But within a few days, they begin to a tea that you are very familiar with. hot or cooled-down water. While it appreciate that when brewing most Otherwise, the newness of the tea may be good advice for a beginner to fine teas, the hotter the better. More will impair your ability to distinguish brew white, green or yellow teas at heat means more Qi, more essence— between the two. Also, brew the tea lower temperatures, such instructions more Tea! Most tea lovers will begin a bit lighter than you usually do. We are not always based on personal wis- to gravitate towards hotter tea over hope these experiments can help you dom or experience. And no general time, especially if they are brewing to begin to appreciate the value of principle is true all of the time. There tea gongfu. heat in your tea and life… Qi Cultivation Understanding Cha Qi, Part I Wu De

A Tea lover should be able to understand and feel Qi, as an aspect of cultivation and enjoyment of the Leaf. There are sensations and energies in Tea that cannot be explained through chemistry. These subtleties are the gateways to a deeper relationship with Tea. 茶氣

ny discussion of the Daoist as both particles and waves. All mat- is, as long as one is able to feel and world view must include ter is, in fact, energy (Qi), and is in a connect to the actual sensations of an understanding of Qi constant state of motion. By feeling Qi “flowing” through one’s body A(氣). Like the Dao, however, Qi is this vibration as it also flows within and mind. Of course, the movement a very difficult word to translate or us, we find a Way to experience a of all Qi in the Universe is a much understand without experiencing concordance with the Universe. In larger concept and true connection it. It is the life force that moves and essence, Qi is the way that we can with that great energy is a very high breathes through all things. One find a connection to the Dao, and state, indeed. On the ultimate level, might translate “Qi” as “energy”, the insights that harmony affords us. Qi is much more than the subtle sen- “flow” or even “breath”, but actually As the word “Qi” has been sations that we feel in our bodies. It it involves much more than that. It used in so many ways throughout is the substantial movement of the is, in fact, similar to the Indian word Chinese history, its meeting with the entire Universe, well beyond—yet “prana”, which also refers to the vital Western mind and philosophy often including—human experience, sen- life energy of living beings, as well as causes confusion about whether the sory or otherwise. Nevertheless, the the energies that move the material Qi is within matter, causes matter or subtle sensations of Qi that we expe- Universe. As this ethereal substance results from matter. In fact, arguing rience are the Way that we as human sustains the body, it can also be about the deeper meanings of Qi has beings can relate to the energy of thought to sustain the mind. Conse- been a part of Chinese scholarship the Universe; and as such our focus, quently, its ability to be felt by body for centuries, so it shouldn’t come experientially, should remain there. and mind, and the fact that it also as any surprise that Western notions Without experiential, living wisdom flows through the Universe outside of “energy” would only complicate of what it is like to feel/be the Qi us, has made this energy the focus things. However, I feel that Qi can moving through us, with the Dao, of countless methods of meditation only be disputed when it is treated as these ideas remain just words or throughout time. On the other hand, a concept or philosophy, rather than concepts for articles like these; and one need not assume that it refers to an experiential sensation that people without developing the sensitivity anything mystical or magical. Qi can may feel within their own bodies and to actually experience Qi, aware that be viewed simply as the movement or minds. it is our very self, harmony with the vibration of the subatomic particles It is important that one Dao would be nigh impossible. of which all things are formed—the approaches Qi not as a concept or Through self-awareness, based matter of the universe itself. some form of dogma related to a cer- perhaps on instinct or maybe intu- Western scientists have also tain religious view. Qi is an actual, ition, but usually on a practice, one found that the world is actually com- physical sensation that can be felt in may begin to feel the Qi within posed of atoms that are all vibrating, the body. It is concrete and tangible. the body and mind. This is often as the subatomic particles within And it is not really important how achieved through some method like rotate at incredible velocity, existing one goes about explaining what it Taiji, Qigong, yoga or meditation.

15 To Honor Tea

You may have noticed that in this, and other issues of Global Tea Hut, we sometimes capitalize “Tea”. In this issue on Qi cultivation, you may find this trend more pronounced. We do this to honor Tea as a plant spirit, an entheo- gen. Entheogens are plant medicines used by shamans to lead to an experience of the Divine. For thousands and thousands of years before it was ever a commodity, Tea was a plant medicine—a “She” that people worked with as a spiritual elixir. It’s time we returned some of that to our modern world. We aren’t suggesting a return to olden times or ideas, some of which may be overly superstitious, but rather that more reverence for the Leaf is worthwhile, and we can start Since ancient times, Tea sages have the body. Sometimes that process with the language we use to talk also known and discussed the Qi of the Qi stays on the about Tea. Tea, and “Cha Qi” has always been a surface; other times When we speak about Tea as a Her, it isn’t part of the appreciation of the Leaf. it’s deep inside. And meant to evoke gender—or even to anthropo- When we drink Tea, the Cha Qi sometimes there isn’t morphize Tea—but rather to show respect. “It” moves through our bodies, becom- any Qi at all, or it is doesn’t feel as nice, and from boats to guitars, we ing the focal point for self-awareness, perhaps too subtle all inherently know that, and respect the things and Tea as a Dao. for us to feel. Many we love accordingly! Nothing could benefit us However, it is hard to say times natural, organic all more than a bit more respect for the living whether the Qi is already in us, and or Living Teas have a beings that share this world with us, including the Tea only inspires it to begin mov- Qi that slowly rises our plant relatives! ing, flowing, or if it is in the Tea. throughout the dura- Maybe it is both. However it occurs, tion of a Tea session: there is definitely a very real experi- The first few steepings ence of Qi in Tea. One might think are devoid of feeling, but then ever create a tranquil base of heightened of it as a sort of dialogue going on so slowly the Qi will begin to flow concentration. Then, when the mind inside the body between the soul through the body, and may be felt as is quiet enough, we begin learning to and the Tea. But it is important to vibrations, tingling or other subtle focus on the sensations in our bod- remember that once you drink a Tea, sensations. ies. The idea is that every single part it becomes you. It is your Qi, your My first encounters with Qi of the body has some sensation, and body. You are Tea, in other words! came through practicing medita- if we concentrate our minds on our Different Teas produce dif- tion, not through drinking Tea. My small toe, for example, we can feel ferent kinds of Qi. Often the flow Teacher instructs us to use breathing it. Slowly, as we practice for days, of the Qi changes direction, moves exercises to calm the mind down, weeks or even years feeling all the quickly or impulsively, or encircles stopping the internal dialogue to gross sensations in each part of our

16 Qi Cultivation body, inside and out, we begin to some guidelines when approaching a feel subtler and subtler sensations, Tea session, almost anyone can even- until finally we begin to feel a kind tually begin to feel Qi in their body. of “flow” of tingling vibrations. We And that ability becomes paramount learn to move this flow, “sweeping” in every aspect of Cha Dao, from it up and down the body in waves of finding the best Tea leaves, water and energy. What initially attracted me Teaware to the way that we prepare to this kind of meditation was the our Tea, imbuing the Tea ceremony fact that I could actually feel what the with Qi that makes those there feel Teacher was discussing. Previously, I calm and joyous. had practiced many forms of medi- In these many issues of Global tation that involved different kinds Tea Hut, we have discussed the ways of imagination, verbalization and/ in which aged teas are better than or contemplation, all taking place new, mountain water better than primarily within the mind. This was bottled water and antique teaware a far more concrete experience, as I better than its modern equivalent— was feeling it in my body—and the and all this has to do, ultimately, with calmness, equanimity and wisdom Qi. As I mentioned in last month’s that followed were that much more Puerh Edition, many teachers say pronounced to me. A more ‘bodily’ that the very expensive, old teas are meditation that kept the intellect at only worth such high prices in terms a distance was far better medicine of their Qi. If one is just seeking nice for me. As the years passed and my flavors in the mouth, there are many relationship with Tea developed, I foods and candies that can provide came to understand that what I had such sensations for a fraction of the been feeling was Qi. This prepared cost. me to be more sensitive to Cha Qi, The best water, from the place recognizing the changes that occur in where the spring starts moving, as my body on the subtlest level when I we’ve also discussed, is that much drink different Teas. better because it enhances the Qi of the Tea liquor. And anyone who has the sages and ever experimented with using dif- seers through- ferent kinds of teaware to gauge the Approaching Cha Qi out time, and effects they have on Qi can testify to never inspired a center Most Tea-lovers these days the fact that most antique teaware such as this. By learning pay much more attention to the fra- enhances the experience of the Qi in to become sensitive to the way grance, liquor, flavor and sensations gongfu Tea. Moreover, last month’s that Tea affects the Qi in our bodies, in the mouth and throat that their Gongfu Tea Tips discussed the impor- we develop self-awareness through Teas offer. Maybe some feel that the tance of the brewer in the Tea cere- introversion, quietude, peace, tran- idea of Qi is too abstract or perhaps mony, and we gave you an experi- quility and equanimity. Beyond just beyond the experience of an aver- ment to verify that the Tea does, in the simplicity and Zen-like clarity of age person. In the beginning, when fact, change when we switch brewers. being present, absorbed and aware one first starts enjoying Tea, one At that time, we said that the brewer of a moment of Tea—beyond that, may have reservations about Qi. drastically influences the Tea. Well, the Qi connects us to the energy and Is it some kind of mystical force or that too was in relation to the Qi movement of the entire Universe, religious experience involving faith? that each brewer brings to the Tea the Dao. Perhaps someone will tell them of ceremony. Of course the “energy” of the upward movement of some kinds the one handling the kettle, Teapot, of Qi, ultimately reaching the back leaves and cups will influence the Qi of the head in an explosion of bliss of the liquor, as the entire ceremony What Cha Qi is not called “Qi da bai hui (氣達百會)”, is flowing through them. Sometimes when a concept or and they will find the idea farfetched. Qi is therefore at the very core experience is difficult to explain or Even intellectually the words seem of an understanding of Cha Dao, share with others, as is definitely true too intangible to understand. How- and without it I think Tea would with Qi, it helps to eliminate some ever, I have found that if one follows never have been recognized by all

17/ Understanding Qi, Part I ing in us. Besides these obstacles to the flow of Qi, Tea drinking itself also results in grosser sensations, of course. Drinking Tea may produce gross sensations like heat, perspiration or palpitation. Any of these sensations are either the effect of the Qi breaking through blockages or perhaps the nature of our Tea leaves, maybe the caffeine even. These gross sensations should not be confused with Qi itself. It can’t be stressed enough that Qi is not a synonym for caffeine; it is not a heightened sense of hyperactivity, a warmth in the chest; it is not sweating or heat—all of these are either the effects of the Qi as it moves through us, or perhaps merely characteristics of the Tea itself. Some are also the side effects of breaking through blockages. Actually, the best teas—like very old puerh teas for example—will not keep us awake at all. Quite the opposite, in fact. Really great teas will calm us down to the point that we often sleep better, longer and deeper after drinking them. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard someone mention how sur- prised they were to find that they slept so well and comfortably after a long session with some fine Tea. By ruling out all the gross sensations that come as effects of the Qi we are aware of or tea itself, one can begin to concen- it, and as such our trate on finding the sensation of the bodies are vibrating and Cha Qi, for it is there. Qi is not an changing all the time whether illusory concept in the mind, a belief we are sensitive to it or not. Unfor- or a philosophy. It is an actual sen- of the factors surrounding one’s focus tunately, many human beings have sation and can be felt in the body, to help illuminate the obscurity. lost their intuition and sensitivity if one but learns how to listen. Of When practicing meditation in my because modern civilization is too course, finding the words to describe tradition, for example, the Teacher focused on external stimuli. Often that sensation is very difficult, and often reminds us to always try to times, people will just feel a general subjective. To me it feels almost like sublimate gross sensations, dissecting sense of ease or comfort when drink- a tickly, tingling, prickly kind of flow them to find the subtler components ing fine teas. when it is on the surface. Almost that make them up—until we reach When we drink Tea, the Qi like, yet also different from, a feeling the subtlest flow of vibrations, felt within our bodies begins to flow in of goose bumps when one is fright- as a kind of tingling movement, Qi. various ways. Because of poor health, ened. Other times, when the Qi is Nonetheless, even those that are not diet or even posture many of us will at deep and penetrative it feels almost trained to feel the subtler sensations times, or even often, have blockages cloud-like, puffy and one’s body that come with the flow of Qi within that will hinder the movement of Qi. feels very light. In those instances us will still be affected by it. After all, Breaking through these obstructions the “wavelength” (for lack of a bet- the atoms of the world are vibrating often results in some kind of gross ter word) of the vibrations seems with energy regardless of whether sensation or even emotional upris- too narrow (changing quickly) to be

18 Qi Cultivation what I would call “tingly”, and the really ever experienced it—confusing means that it too has a similar heal- sensation is more akin to numbness. it for a caffeine rush or the warmth ing power. Thus by appreciating good Alas, no turn of phrase or curl in his chest as the hot liquid went Tea in quiet, one is in effect cleansing of the brush, no matter how skilled down. He was very excited that he the body, making it a proper vessel the calligrapher, could ever really now had the ability to discuss Qi in through which Qi flows. Tea helps in capture the essence of experiencing the way it was meant to be, the way digestion, blood circulation and has Qi. We have, however, had several it was approached even in ancient several other health benefits known guests from all over the world that times. to Chinese doctors for thousands of were able to begin feeling Qi after years, and the way it causes our Qi to practicing for a bit. I have also wit- flow is just one more of its beneficial nessed several seminars in which Qi and Health qualities. Beyond just meditation, hundreds of people attended, many serenity or calm joy, this flow of Qi is very skeptical, who then went on Since ancient times, Chi- healthy for the body and spirit, relax- to describe similar sensations and nese medicine has focused on the ing us, washing away stress—both experiences. I remember an Amer- movement of Qi and stipulated bodily and mentally. The movement ican friend who had already been a that illnesses are often caused by the of Qi opens us up and allows us to Tea drinker for a few years when he obstruction of this flow in a certain experience ourselves as a part of this came to visit. By following some of portion of the body. In Traditional Universe. the guidelines suggested for learning Chinese Medicine (TCM), most all The earliest theoretical treatise to approach Qi, he was, at the end of illnesses stem from stagnation. on Chinese medicine was in the form a week or so, experiencing it himself. Acupuncture is a healing of a dialogue between the emperor He told me later that he had used the technique meant to release these and the sage Qi Bo, called “The Yel- words “Cha Qi” in Tea reviews and blockages. The fact that Cha Qi can low Emperor’s Classics of Inner Wis- discussions prior to this, but hadn’t also pass through the body so fluently dom” (Huang Di Neijing). In this book the emperor asks the sage about the meaning of the word “Qi” and he describes it simply as a measurement of time equal to 15 of the 360 degrees that the Earth must travel in a year. The king doesn’t really understand the connection between this seemingly mundane measurement and all the esoteric Daoist knowledge hidden within the word “Qi”. What the sage was in essence saying was that the rhythmic changes in the cycle of the Earth are connected to all things in the Universe, that this word “Qi” was that very flow of change itself, and understanding it was to understand Nature, agriculture, society and even personal health, holistically. At that time, astronomy and astrology weren’t curious classes taken as requisites for other majors, but central to the life of such masters living out in the mountains, closer to the stars than we could imagine. Qi Bo was telling the emperor to look to Nature: the rhythms of the Earth and the Heavens for an answer to the movement of Qi. Without an experiential understanding of this change, however, this intellectual clarity is of

19/ Understanding Qi, Part I There’s a lot of Taiji practiced in the parks near the center every morning.

little use, and I doubt the emperor is an understanding that there really sense of separation that we often cre- was any less confused for asking, is no difference between the various ate between ourselves, others and the though such was the Way of those aspects of the Universe, in the sense Dao. The currents of energy within ancient sages. We must find a way to that they are all facets of the same us are the flow of atoms that began connect more fundamentally to this totality, the Dao. Qi is the move- long ago, and every bit of our experi- inner melody, being the Dao rather ment of this totality. For us, we use ence of them is within that great cur- than discussing it. We are the 15 of our bodies and minds as objects of rent, starting with the explosion in 360 degrees! focus, becoming aware of the present which the very stars themselves were Like the journey we take moment as it is experienced, lived. strewn across the sky. We connect within ourselves, finding subtler and The feeling of Qi connects us to the and become that flow, the Dao. subtler aspects of experience and energy as it flows through us, mov- Through focusing on our bod- connection to the Dao, the whole ing in and out like the breath that ies and walking through this arched Way itself is one of transcendence— also connects us all to each other, gateway to the Universe beyond, constantly sublimating reality to to the world. Shunryu Suzuki once we may return to a time before all find deeper and deeper aspects of said, “ ‘You’ means to be aware of the of the external stimuli of televisions existence. At first Tea is sensual, con- Universe in the form of you, and ‘I’ and computers—a time when people necting us with pleasure, enjoyment means to be aware of it in the form of knew themselves better. By drinking of flavor and aroma. Then we begin I. You and I are just swinging doors. Tea in quiet and focusing on the flow to feel the Qi, the bliss inviting us This kind of understanding is neces- of Qi we can return to our souls, rid- to explore ourselves deeper until we sary. This should not even be called ing the windy currents within our- find the empty place where our flow understanding; it is actually the true selves to the “abode of the immor- is the flow of the Universe, the Dao. experience of life through Zen prac- tals” Lu Tong spoke of in his most The connection that we can tice”, succinctly capturing the Way famous of Tea poems. achieve and maintain through Tea that our experience can dissolve the

20 Tea Legends The Seven Bowls of Lu Tong Wu De

Lu Tong’s famous Tea poem has been recited at Tea parties, shared amongst friends and even carved on Tea jars and pots for millen- ia. It resounds with a deep and timeless Tea spirit, celebrating Tea’s ability to inspire us to soar. Through drinking Tea, we find our wings and raise them on a wind that blows towards the poetic heart waxing within. 茶道

u Tong was a tea sage of the most sacred mountains. Though he It is difficult to translate the Tang Dynasty, born near the was married and had children, he depth and perspective of Lu Tong’s end of the eighth century of still lived a life of leisure withdrawn poem and one is better served by Lour era. Little is known of his life, from the world. His poetry and life- reading several versions. In this other than that he declined an offer style, however, attracted the atten- poem, he elucidates the effects Tea to be a provincial officer, preferring a tion of some officials and it would has, slowly rising from a physical quiet life of renunciation and Tea. He seem that the tea sage himself kept sensation, to one of comfort and lived a secluded life somewhere in the up these relations in exchange for the warmth—like the company of a true mountains of Hunan Province, writ- high-quality teas they offered him. friend—and then on to the commu- ing poems under the name “Master He was even given some Imperial nion with the universal energy, the Jade Spring”. His poems oh-so-ele- Tribute Tea, which was priceless and Qi, and all the Heavenly transcen- gantly wrap around the Way, captur- unavailable except by gift from the dence of those final draughts. ing all the beauty and serenity found Dragon Throne. A government offi- The poem naturally moves in a life of Tea. And though his life cial and friend sent some to Lu Tong, from the physical to the spiritual. It took its course without any history inspiring his most famous poem, the starts with the comfort of Tea on the or much story to speak of, other than Song of Tea, or The Seven Bowls of Tea. most surface level, coating the throat his tragic death, I often find that my The most famous and inspirational and bringing satisfaction in drinking. affinity to him is greater than other part is: The second cup moves to the emo- more renowned tea masters. His tions, satisfying the heart with the poems clearly demonstrate his pres- ence and understanding of the power The first cup moistens the throat; Tea has to help us live more natural, The second shatters all feelings of solitude; complete lives. His tea poetry espe- The third cup purifies the digestion, cially deals with the Qi of Tea in a re-opening the five thousand volumes I’ve studied profound way, which we can explore and bringing them to mind afresh; in this issue. The artist and poet in The fourth induces perspiration, me is also moved by the elegance of his writing, as it stirs my soul and evaporating all of life’s trials and tribulations; makes me yearn in my heart for the With the fifth cup, the body sharpens, crisp; next trip to the tea room. The sixth cup is the first step on the road to enlightenment; Lu Tong also studied Dao- And the seventh cup sits steaming— ism, growing up on one of China’s it needn’t be drunk, as one is lifted to the abode of the immortals.

21 Here and Now of this moment. The into obscurity, but there hasn’t been in my head—brewing his teas and third brings actual, living, experien- a tea lover since his time that hasn’t writing his poems with brush and tial truth to what was before only learned, and often memorized, some ink. I imagined the vivacity his callig- studied by the intellect. The fourth of his poems. The above poem cap- raphy must have had after such seem- purifies the body, as the Qi begins tures all of what tea is about: mind- ingly powerful tea sessions. When I to rise. With the fifth cup, the whole fulness, reverence and withdrawal returned to the table that day, my tea body is felt in the flow of subtle body from worldly concerns. tasted that much sweeter... sensations. After the sixth cup, we The first time I saw one of Lu begin to transcend and no more is Tong’s poems, it was inscribed upon needed. Other translations have the a Qing Dynasty jar for tea storage. To honor my Tea, Qi rising up, sweeping out iniqui- While others were busy drinking tea, I shut my wooden gate, ties—sometimes from under the I found myself revolving the jar over Lest worldly people intrude, arms, in the seventh bowl, raising and again, trying to comprehend them like wings to sore to the land of the meaning of these words. I found And donning my silken cap, the immortals. myself imagining this man on some I brew and taste my Tea Of course, this is just one, mountain—images of Wuyi dancing alone. mild interpretation of the poem. There are many, many ways to trans- —Lu Tong late and/or understand this great tea poem, and a lifetime of tea drinking would better express it (or even a single bowl). Each of us should read many translations, and find our own meaning and Truth in Lu Tong’s timeless words. Unfortunately, Lu Tong lost his life while visiting the capital. The emperor plotted to remove some of the eunuchs that were manipulat- ing the throne. He sent them out of the inner palace to collect some dew from an important tree, believing it to grant longevity to those who drank some. Assassins waited for them in the grove. The eunuchs, however, realized the plot and fled back into the palace. They called in the army, and the emperor went along with their investigation in order to feign innocence. They ransacked the city and executed many officials, even without convincing evidence. No doubt, they used this as an excuse to get rid of some of their own politi- cal barriers. Unfortunately, Lu Tong was visiting the very same official who had sent him the tea that had inspired his poem. The soldiers cap- tured the official and his household, including the guest. Years earlier, Lu Tong had written a satirical poem that mocked the court eunuchs, and they hadn’t forgotten. He was beheaded and buried in a humble grave, his children orphaned. There may not be a colossal gravestone commemorating him, and even much of his poetry has drifted

22 Qi Cultivation Cha Dao & Qigong Solala Towler

Diet and Movement are parts of the Eight Bowls we practice in a life of Tea. How the Qi circulates through your body definitely influences your Tea brewing, especially gongfu Tea. Here, Solala teaches us a simple Qi Gong exercise for Tea practitioners. 茶氣

he Way of Tea, and the Way The problem many of us into your body from deep in the of Qigong are actually very have is that we have shut down our Earth. At the balls of our feet is a similar. For followers of the Qi body for various reasons such as point called “Bubbling Wells”, which TCha Dao, Tea is a way to connect stress, emotional turmoil, toxic envi- is the beginning of the kidney chan- with the depths of our being and ronments, etc. What happens when nel. You can also energetically open our relationship to Source, to Dao. we shut down our Qi body is that your bai hui or crown chakra at this When we sit at the tea table, if brew- we get sick or injured. Our Qi trav- time to receive healing Yang energy ing gongfu tea, or just with a bowl els in special pathways throughout from the sun and stars. of steaming, tea-infused water, we our bodies, called meridians in Tra- To begin, raise your hands, are aligning ourselves with all the ditional Chinese Medicine. Qigong palms up, to the level of your waist. masters and students of Tea down healers, as well as acupuncturists, use Palms come forward a little bit. Then through the generations. these meridians as well as very spe- do a mid-sized circle out to your sides Drinking tea with others in a cific points on those meridians to and over your head. This is called state of joyful sharing and medita- open up the pathways in our body so Embracing the Moon. The moon is tion can be a very healing and uplift- that the Qi can flow more smoothly considered a strong Yin influence. ing experience. Another way to expe- and strongly. Qigong can free up Picture a bright full moon filling rience this flow of energy between us stuck Qi so that it can move more your body with the cool Yin energy. and Dao is the practice of Qigong. freely throughout our system. Then do a larger circle to Embrace The term Qigong means The Qigong we will be learn- the Sun. The sun is considered to be “working/playing with Qi or vital ing here is called “Great Spiraling strong Yang. Feel the warm healing life force.” There are literally hun- Dragon Qigong”. Here we are using energy of the sun entering your body. dreds of styles of Qigong, with new the image of the spiraling dragon to After Embracing the Sun, let ones being created all the time. The pull healing Qi from the moon, sun, your arms come down to your sides. one we will be featuring here is from the deep sea, the Earth and the Heav- Then, bring energy up from the Wudang Mountain, which has been ens. The movements are all done very Earth through the bottoms of your sacred to the Daoists for thousands slowly and gracefully... feet up to your hands. Raise your of years. Begin with your feet as wide hands to waist level, fingers pointing We are surrounded by a sea of apart as your shoulders. Stand with in, charging up your Belt Channel, Qi at all times. Living beings, includ- your spine straight and your weight a very important pathway of Qi that ing humans, animals, trees, water evenly spread on your feet, hands circles your waist. Let your hands go and even stones, all have/are Qi. The down to your sides. With your mind, around your waist to your lower back art of Qigong is to access the Qi that send roots down into the Earth, at and then come together, palm over surrounds us and bring it into our least three times the length of your palm, resting on the point in your bodies, circulating and finally storing body. This will stabilize you and lower back called “ming men”. The it there. allow you to pull healing energy up ming men is called the “Gate of Vital

23 Force” and is a very important point deep breaths, then pivot to the left moon, the sun and stars there. Do that is related to the Lower dan tien with right palm up and left palm this nine times counter clockwise fol- (Field of Elixir), located in the lower down. Pivot to the right one more lowed by nine times clockwise. abdomen. This is the energetic foun- time and then to the left one more You can watch a nice little dation of our bodies. (There are two time. video of a teacher in Wudang Moun- more dan tien, the Middle dan tien, Do one more big Embracing tain leading his students through this located in our heart center, and the the Sun, ending with the palms over form: Upper dan tien, located in our third the lower dan tien. Take nine deep https://www.youtube.com/ eye area.) slow breaths to allow the Qi to flow watch?v=Sdw-QEI7OU4 Send Qi from your palms throughout your whole body. Fin- into your ming men point for at least ish by circling your palms over your If you have more questions three deep breaths. Then bring your lower dan tien, sealing the Qi you feel free to contact me at: hands back to the front and Embrace have gathered from the Earth, the [email protected] the Moon as before, followed by Embrace the Sun, hands coming down to your sides again. Again draw energy from the Earth up from the bottom of your feet into your hands and pull them gently up and form a Lotus Flower in front of your Upper dan tien (third eye). Look into the lotus flower, breathing in the wonderful fragrance for at least three deep, slow breaths. Now, your hands go up over your head as they glide back and forth as the Dragon Ascends to Heaven with its tail whipping back and forth. Stretch your hands over your head, giving your spine a good stretch. With your palms facing up, gather star and sun Qi into your palms for three deep breaths. Turn your palms over and allow the star and sun Qi to flow down through the top of your head (bai hui point) down into your body, filling it with healing light. Turn your palms up again and gather more Qi and then turn them over once more to allow the Qi to flow into your body. Next, the Dragon Descends to the Bottom of the Sea. Your palms come down along the sides of your head, neck, chest and down the outside your legs to your feet. Palms circle around your feet and come up the insides of your legs up to your lower abdomen. The palms then come up and rest on the lower dan tien, palm over palm. For women the left palm is on the top and for men the right palm is on top. Now do the Embrace the Moon one more time. Pivot your body to the right, with weight on right leg, left palm up and right palm behind you facing down. Take three

24 Qi Cultivation

Great Spiraling Dragon Qigong Form As taught by Solala Towler

1. Stand with feet shoulder-width 4. Embrace the Moon (small cir- 5. Embrace the Sun (big circle). apart. cle) 2. Root deeply into the Earth for at least nine breaths. 3. Open the bai hui for at least nine breaths.

6. Hands come up to the waist and 7. Hands come together over the 10. Hands come up to eye level and go around the belt channel, fin- ming men point (center of the do Lotus Blooming From the gers pointing in. lower back). Hands come down. Pond. Breathe in the Blooming

8. Embrace the Moon. Lotus at least three times. 9. Embrace the Sun.

25/ Qi Gong 11. Spiraling Dragon Ascends to 16. Dragon Descends into the Sea. 20. Pivot your body to the right with Heaven. (Palms come down the sides of the left palm up and right palm 12. Palms turn up to receive Qi from your body.) down. the Heavens. 17. Circle palms around the feet and 13. Palms face down to pour Qi into guide them up the insides of the bai hui for three breaths. your legs to the lower dan tien. 14. Repeat palms up, receiving Qi 18. Hold palms over the dan tien from the Heavens. and breathe at least three times. (Men, right palm over left; and 15. Repeat palms face down to pour women, left palm over right.) Qi into the bai hui. 19. Embrace the Moon.

Doing this exercise once a day in the morning will influence the flow of Qi through your body, affect- ing the way you make Tea, especially gongfu. More fluidity in the flow of subtle energies throughout the body is a powerful way to improve your tea brewing and overall health. A tea practice must include all areas of life, as a Way of communicating 21. Pivot to the left with the right 24. Gather Qi into the lower dan tien with Spirit. Follow these palm up and left palm down. and breathe slowly and deeply at instructions and try it out! 22. Repeat the last two moves once least nine times. more. 25. Palms circle the dan tien nine 23. Turn back to the center and times counter-clockwise then Embrace the Sun. nine times clockwise. Kombucha Sun Moon Lake Red Kombucha Shane Marrs

Many of you have enjoyed kombucha with us after lunch. Nowadays, we ferment all kinds of tea, and try to have some kombucha available after every midday meal. Elevation, from Sun Moon Lake, makes some of the best kombucha every time! In this article, Shane shares some of his fermenting tips so you can start having some living kombucha tonic around to share. 茶道

s many of you know, we and wild process and some varia- has a signature fruity, minty and spicy often drink kombucha tion is to be expected and celebrated. taste, a flavor many of you know well here at the Tea Sage Hut. Not to mention the differences that from drinking it here or receiving it AAnd those of you who have visited occur throughout the seasons, espe- in previous years through Global Tea us within the last year or two have cially in a hot and humid sub-trop- Hut. Though the fermentation pro- almost certainly drunk some with us. ical environment like Taiwan’s. The cess can change most qualities quite We partake of this effervescent, living changes in kombucha from batch to radically, that signature flavor shines brew to aid in digestion, and because batch could be likened to the differ- through. SML red also has an uplift- it’s alive, healthy, and delicious! We ences in tea from year to year. The ing energy that’s suitable for elevat- ferment and bottle our own kombu- terroir of the kombucha, as it were, ing you in the morning while simul- cha, using a variety of different teas. depends on the balance of many fac- taneously keeping you calm. These We generally aim for great flavor and tors like amount and type of sugar qualities, after about a week’s worth lots of fizz by using good, clean tea, and tea, microorganism ratios, brew- of fermentation, transform into an organic sugar, and by bottling to cre- ing parameters, fermentation time, invigorating brew. ate a secondary fermentation phase. pH, bottling techniques, tempera- Of course, it’s much better Sometimes we’ll bottle using fruits ture, and so on. And we shouldn’t to share this month’s tea with all and roots (pineapple and ginger is a forget the energetic influences that your brothers and sisters around classic) to change the flavor, fizz, and the brewer has on the process! It is, the world, drinking it together in a body of the brew, but more recently after all, a symbiotic culture of bac- bowl. But if you really want to try we’ve been trying the pure approach: teria and yeasts. It’s a living, breath- SML kombucha, come on over to using tea and sugar and nothing else. ing culture of beings, and they are as the center and I’ll put a batch in As is the nature of kombucha, influenced by our energy (Qi) as we the rotation for you. Then you’ll be in all its mystery, we experience a are by theirs! able to experience all of the unique large range of results: Some are fizzier Some of our favorite fer- characteristics associated with SML than others (some explosive!), some mentations have resulted from this red transformed into a slightly sweet more sugary and others lean towards month’s Sun Moon Lake red tea—a and sour, carbonated health tonic! vinegar. (That’s not to say our brew- Living Tea to make living kombucha! Alternatively, you could find a way of ing parameters couldn’t be much This large-leaf, Assam varietal red tea locating some yourself, or take some more refined and carefully managed is great for making kombucha. The home with you when you visit… to yield more consistent results.) large, dark and twisted leaves make Surely, some of you brew Home fermentation is a mysterious brewing and straining easy. SML red kombucha at home already. For

27 those of you who don’t, or those who their pros and cons. A friend’s may mentation phase, use good quality are simply open to other methods of be more convenient, but a purchased bottles, like swing-top glass bottles brewing, we’ll provide a general out- one may be purer and better stored. or bottles that can be recapped with line of how we ferment our kombu- In any case, it’s easy to get started! a personal capper. Some twist-on cha at the center. Bear in mind there You’ll need some basic mate- cap bottles will also work, though are as many ways to make kombucha rials to make kombucha, like a large I’ve had poor (and explosive) expe- as there are flavors on store shelves, glass jar or suitable fermenting ves- riences with them, not so much and no one method is better than sel, a pitcher, strainer, scale, cook- because the carbonation was too another. It really is a matter of per- ing pot, porcelain tasting spoons, strong but because the bottles weren’t sonal preference. Though it might cheesecloths and elastic bands, and strong enough under pressure. Pres- be added that some methods devi- bottles if you want to create some sure-rated bottles shouldn’t be neces- ate from the norm by so much that carbonation. The size and volume of sary, but if you have access to them, they could be called something else all of these materials depends on how go for it. In any case, just be safe. altogether. (What that is, I’m not much you want to make. I use a 15L sure.) For this reason, we’ll keep glass jar, a 5L pitcher, a very large things straightforward and more cooking pot, and some 1L to 3L bot- Brewing & Infusing in alignment with what kombucha tles. That’s probably three times the traditionally was: fermented sweet volume that an average home-brewer Once you’ve acquired the tea. This is also an easy method that might make, but we drink and share basic materials and a scoby with some everyone can approach. a lot of kombucha around here! starter solution, all you need to do is If you don’t have any SML Keep in mind, that if you are make some sweet tea. The amount red to spare for making kombucha, going to bottle in a secondary fer- of tea can really depend on the type another red tea will suffice. But it should be organic and ideally something that you enjoy drinking. You will also want to source a refined, organic sugar. The bacteria and yeasts The scoby starts off white, but present in kombucha are very sensi- gets darker over time. It looks tive, so any chemical residues found and feels a little gross! in dirty tea or inorganic sugar can be quite harmful to the entire culture. What is this culture? And where can you find one? As I mentioned before, the culture is a symbiotic one of bacteria and yeasts that form a growing, visible layer, often seen floating on top of your brew. It’s usually referred to by the acronym: “S.C.O.B.Y.” (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria & Yeasts), or a “mother” because as the scoby grows, it generates what might be called “daugh- ters” or daughter-like layers.

The Basics

It’s easy enough these days, depending on where you live, to either ask around for someone to give you a spare scoby (plus some starter solution), or to purchase one online or at a local kombucha distributor, should you be lucky enough to have access to one. The starter solution is just some leftover kombucha that has become quite vinegary. Purchasing a new one or using a friend’s both have

28 Kombucha of tea you use and how you brew it, methods which require you to wait sweet it is before adding the scoby but do your best to make a strong until the tea has cooled naturally. It and starter. and delicious brew. Aim to make must cool down because the scoby something you would drink at home. is temperature-sensitive and will die For red tea, there are three brewing if introduced to a tea beyond a cer- Fermenting options: one, is to use less leaves and tain temperature. I always let mine let them infuse overnight (or until cool to room temperature. I have Once you’ve brewed a satisfy- your tea has cooled to room tempera- used varying amounts of SML red ing sweet tea that has cooled to room ture), straining them off in the morn- tea, generally around eight grams per temperature, it’s time to introduce ing; two, is to use more leaves and liter, and have attempted all three the scoby and starter solution. Make steep them until the tea has reached brewing methods. A very dear tea sure the glass jar in which you will its desired flavor (this may require brother of ours, who makes kom- be fermenting is thoroughly cleaned. multiple short infusions of less water bucha commercially, highly recom- Cleanliness plays a major role in each time); and three, again use more mends the third brewing method determining the quality of your final leaves and make a concentrated brew and using more tea than I’ve stated product, and often the difference which you then dilute with cold above. Of course, heed professional between a living and dead culture. water. The benefit of the third brew- advice, and also experiment with Remember the scoby is very sensi- ing method is that it’s much quicker what you’ve got. tive, and more vulnerable to con- to boil a quarter of the water to make As for sugar, I weigh about tamination in its beginning stages. the concentrated brew, and diluting fifty grams per liter of tea. Make sure Add the tea to the fermenting vessel it cools it down immediately which to add the sugar when the liquor is (strain it if necessary). Add the starter allows you to continue on with the hot so that it fully dissolves. Taste it solution (which adjusts the pH) and process, as opposed to the other two and get an experiential feel for how gently lay the scoby on top. Usually it will float, but don’t be alarmed if it doesn’t. Place a cloth over the mouth of the fermenting vessel and fasten it on with an elastic band. The cloth should allow the vessel to breathe but prevent critters and flies from getting in. Store your vessel in a dark, ventilated and safe location. Mark the date somewhere on the vessel or in a notepad. Sample it daily with a clean porcelain spoon to see how it develops. If this is your first attempt with a new scoby, your tea will likely develop a very thin new scoby on the surface of the tea. It will require time to thicken. Not to worry. Depending on quite a number of factors and your own personal preference, you can bottle or drink your kombucha after roughly two to twenty days. It takes time to figure out what you like and to stay in tune with how the balance of your culture develops. It’s a labor or love!

Bottling

Should you decide to bottle, clean them first and strain your kombucha from the brewing vessel into a

29/ Kombucha pitcher. Fill the bottles up as much give you an accurate idea of when it has a reasonable pool of sweet tea as possible! You might also want to your kombucha is finished. I have a to hibernate in. add some fruit at this point (or roots spreadsheet to record dates, volumes, Enjoy the process! It’s wild, like ginger or turmeric, herbs, etc.) amounts, and comments. quite literally, and always changing directly into the bottles. Beware Leave about ten to fifteen in exciting ways. There’s lots of infor- that these will drastically change the percent of the kombucha solution mation online (too much actually). kombucha from its pure potential in the vessel along with the scoby. It’s as simple as making sweet tea, and will usually speed up the devel- It can reside there until your next letting it cool, adding the starter, let- opment of carbonation. There’s a lot batch. (Notice how the scoby devel- ting it ferment, and drinking it when of room to experiment when adding oped and grew!) You might want to you like it. Feel free to contact me at fruits, roots, herbs or other flavors. discard the new growth by peeling it [email protected] to make Again, store your bottles in carefully off of the original mother, comments or inquire for more infor- a secure and dark space to let them and save it in some solution to pass mation. I’d be glad to share some build carbonation. Check them daily on to a friend or maybe compost it. great fermentation links and books for visible signs of carbonation. It Some brewers just let it be, growing I’ve come across over the years, and could take as little as one day or as thicker and thicker. I try to keep many other details I’ve left out of this long as one month to develop good my scoby about a centimeter or two article. Raising a bowl to you on your fizz! It all depends. It might take thick. If you’re not going to brew new or renewed kombucha journey! some time to get a feel for how your again within a week or so, you might kombucha develops in the bottle. consider sealing it in a jar and storing It really helps to record everything it in your refrigerator. Just make sure in a notepad or a spreadsheet to Qi Cultivation Understanding Cha Qi, Part II Wu De

In this second part of our exploration of Cha Qi, Wu De gives us some practical tips for beginning to sense and work with Qi in our Tea practice. He then goes on to discuss some of the kinds of Cha Qi that one experiences along the Way. 茶氣

ere are some guidelines practice in this way, because when we the mind to ever calm down if one is that will help you to begin come to the meditation cushion our busy worrying about one’s commit- to become sensitive to the minds are all too often like the tur- ments. If we are in a hurry, and our HQi in Tea. These methods are merely bulent waves of a stormy sea, tossed mind is racing through the things suggestions—the ways that Tea veter- about by emotional turmoil, profes- we did or need done, we will never ans have used to teach Tea drinkers sional difficulties and other stresses. be peaceful enough to feel the subtle to approach Cha Qi for some time. If we don’t calm down, we’ll never changes happening in us. This would They aren’t laws carved in stone. Feel have the focus to feel the more subtle be like trying to see into the waters of free to alter any of them to suit your aspects of our being. Similarly, when a choppy, turbulent river. situation. After all, you know your drinking Tea, the master and student You will calm down and expe- own body and mind better than any- alike must utilize certain loose guide- rience Qi more easily without any one else! What relaxes you and how lines to help calm the mind down distractions. For that reason, it’s best to focus your mind on the Qi will be, enough to be aware of the Qi moving to turn off your cell phone—not allow- in the end, up to you. through us. Eventually, though, con- ing any outside influence to disturb Furthermore, many of nection to that aspect of ourselves yourself or others present. Some may these guidelines were designed for becomes easier and easier. want to do some breathing exercises “non-practitioners” so to speak. In All of these approaches are or listen to some soothing music, or other words, those who have prac- by no means necessities for any Tea perhaps you may just sit quietly for ticed meditation, Taiji, QiGong, ceremony, though you will soon a few minutes before even approach- etc., often are already more sensi- realize that they all help to make the ing the Tea, allowing the cares of tive to their bodies and don’t need Tea space more serene, peaceful and the world to slip far away so that no so much structure in their approach experientially rewarding in the long- aspect of the ceremony is rushed. If it to Qi. However, for those who are run, not to speak of Qi or its appre- helps, think about the freedom you already having difficulty with grasp- ciation. To us, Qi cultivation is a very have on this day: “I want to be here! ing the idea of “energy” or “flow”, or important part of Cha Dao, and one This is what I want to be doing Now, are skeptical, these guiding principles we wouldn’t want to live without. drinking Tea. I have nothing else to may be helpful. do today but this.” Like a lazy Satur- In our tradition, we always day morning, or a day spent on vaca- spend some of our meditation prac- Adequate Time tion, half of the relaxation and peace ticing concentration (Samadhi) med- comes just from the knowledge that itation, utilizing our breath to calm One must be sure to allocate our time is truly free, that we really and center the mind, developing enough time for one’s Tea sessions. have nothing to worry about for the focus. It doesn’t matter whether we This is especially important for rest of the day (or perhaps morning, are a novice or a master, we always beginners. It will be impossible for or afternoon, etc.)

31 The Environment

Traditionally, most Tea rooms were always decorated in a simple yet elegant way. The light should be soft and dim, and the room should be quiet. It is also better if one’s Tea space is properly ventilated and comfortable. Decorations that inspire relaxation, like bonsai trees, flowers or some nice calligraphy are often preferable. While many masters gravitate towards simplicity in teaware, as well as décor, it is only really important that the teaware doesn’t distract from the experience of the Tea itself. A nice chaxi (tea stage) is a great way to enhance the session, and celebrate the ‘one encounter, one chance’ we have to meet Here and Now. Flowers, sacred objects, can- dles, beautiful objects from nature (rocks, wood, etc.)—all help to fill the space with a calming energy that increases our sensitivity to Qi. You needn’t spend any money to make a great chaxi; it’s more about the heart you put into the occasion. The ambiance should have an overall sense of serenity. The best Tea houses or Tea spaces make one feel peaceful and calm almost right away; and the more untroubled the body and mind are, the easier it will be to recognize the subtle sensations in the body. It often helps to wear loose-fit- ting and comfortable clothes. Our house clothes often help us to relax just by association. Being comfortable is paramount if one is to relax; and like we said, focusing on things like having enough time to fully Our minds are at times a tempest Tea drinkers we know (besides those enjoy the Tea, doing so in a peaceful of thoughts, doubts and worries, doing business in Tea) will testify environment and wearing comfort- and we may come to the Tea space that such social occasions represent able clothes—all of these make the with all kinds of stress and turmoil. the smallest portion of their Tea Tea session so much more enjoyable, No matter whether you view Tea drinking. Most of our daily Tea is besides helping create an environ- as a Dao, a hobby or a beverage, all just us and our Leaf, and as such— ment more conducive to experiences Tea drinkers have in common that if it is ever to be a Dao—quietude is of Qi, transcendence or Dao. they wish to find a little relaxation, paramount. peace and quiet—some time away Chatting only stimulates the from the stresses of ordinary life. For mind to focus on external events, Quiet that reason, almost any Tea session is rather than concentrating on the improved by some quietude. body, the Qi and the Tea. We have Perhaps the most important Of course, sometimes Tea is yet to meet the person that can aspect of learning to feel Qi is that social and we use Tea to bring com- fully experience their body, taste the Tea session include some quiet. fort to friends and help make light buds, olfactory sensations, etc. and of each other’s company, but most carry on a conversation at the same

32 Qi Cultivation

time. We can’t pay attention to the able with silence—especially when it way. Tea and music have been paired Tea and talk about outside topics at is in public—who were comfortably for millennia, and work well together the same time; it just isn’t possible. silenced for hours at a time by drink- in harmony. Finding the right music Talking only carries us away from the ing great teas. for Tea is also a great joy! moment. And we would say this goes External quietude reminds us for note-taking too. One may wish to of the Stillness in our hearts, allow- write down some of one’s experience, ing us to rest in that space. Over Diet but the more energy one devotes to time, we develop the ability to be this internal dialogue going on, the still even in noise. Still, Tea rewards We must remember that Cha less one is present to the moment quietude. Sometimes when someone Dao is a lot more than just being and sensations at hand. It seems odd is quiet, they notice new things in peaceful when we are in our Tea that we wish to talk to ourselves, or a Tea they have been drinking daily rooms, enjoying ourselves. Having to some future listener/reader rather for a long time. By approaching the had profoundly serene experiences, it than being in the space that the Tea Tea with focus, new dimensions are would be impossible for one to then is creating. opened up, and they are often very walk out of that room and live the Try to find a way to be com- healthy and blissful as well. rest of one’s life in unhealthy ways; fortable with silence. It may help to By starting Tea sessions with for in essence the one who wasn’t close your eyes as much as possible some quiet, if you then decide to transformed by an experience of during the session, which guides the move into a conversation, you will transcendence as such couldn’t have attention inward, towards the sensa- find that it comes from the heart. had a very deep one. tions in the body, stopping our natu- Then, you find yourself talking about Once a person truly experi- ral tendency towards distraction. things that matter. ences the harmony of a life lived nat- Eventually, you will even You may find that some peace- urally, healthy and with the Dao, liv- begin to crave the quiet. We have ful music, usually without lyrics, also ing otherwise becomes all that much seen so many ordinarily loquacious helps to inspire your guests to turn more uncomfortable now that she is individuals (including myself), no inwards, relating to the Tea, them- hyper-sensitive of the subtle differ- mater how talkative and uncomfort- selves and the space in a different ences in her being, caused by things like diet, environment, stress, etc.

33/ Understanding Qi, Part II The more subtle our minds food. If one’s connection to their become, the more we realize the body is dull enough to be unaware simple truth that we are what we of the affects such garbage is having eat, as much as what we drink, and on their being, how can one hope at so much of our connection to Tea all to approach the even more subtle comes through the very fact that aspects of existence? it is “consumed”, combining with Many times, we will eat a light and becoming a part of us. We are snack before the Tea session. It is best becoming the Tea, as we drink it, and to approach the Tea with neither an it is also becoming us. The same is empty nor a full stomach. Drinking true for what we eat. Tea on an empty stomach might There is a very good reason why make one feel some slight discom- meditators have always promoted a fort, and a full stomach dulls one’s healthy, light vegetarian diet. Eating ability to taste, smell and of course meat is grosser, heavier and dulls the feel the sensations caused by the Qi. senses. When we eat large meals with A clear sense of one’s body overall is a lots of meat, we feel sleepy, dull and great place to start from. Even if you unaware. Tea masters have also found aren’t vegetarian, it may be useful to that it is far more difficult to become eat only veggies before Tea ceremo- sensitive to our bodies and approach nies, allowing for a lighter, more sen- Qi when we have eaten such heavy sitive body that encourages the expe- foods. Beyond just meat, one cannot rience of Qi. expect to be sensitive of one’s body if one is consistently eating junk

34 Qi Cultivation

Kinds of Cha Qi • You may feel a movement akin recognized their Qi, all of which to a hiccup, as the Qi rises up were unable to explain why after- Generally, Cha Qi will mani- inside. This isn’t really a hic- wards. I think sometimes as the fest in one of several overall patterns. cough, but stimulates one’s inside Qi opens up, it breaks through Each session, however, will have in a slightly similar way. turmoil or stress we are carrying slight variations, even if the same in us and emotions arise, like Tea is drunk twice. Of course, every • A feeling of sensations rising pus coming out of a wound that moment is bright and new as we up the spine; often through the needs to be opened. The first bring to each Tea session a different du mai (the meridian that travels time my wife ever drank a really body and mind. up the spine). old Puerh she went outside after Tea and Qi are, after all, not twenty minutes. When I went just a cup of liquor, but also the • Sometimes people will have some out to check on her, I found interaction of that liquor with a blockages, caused by unhealthy her crying. I asked her what was human being, and both are con- parts of the body or poor diet, wrong and after realizing that stantly changing. Every single cere- and when they open, it could mony will be different from all the others before—the one brewing and even the leaves themselves will have changed too, even if it is only a week later. Here are some overall patterns in the way Cha Qi manifests itself:

On the Head

• The Qi may go straight up to the bai hui (Hundred Meetings), forehead or the back of the brain if it is strong enough. This will cause a kind of fullness or numb feeling throughout the whole body.

• Sometimes you may feel an itchy, hot sensation in the cheeks. This often leads to a kind of massage of the eyeballs, eyebrow region or the acupuncture point called “tai yang xue”.

• The Qi may revolve around the mean perspiration or even sharp she didn’t know, she even began head in spirals. pain in the acupuncture points. laughing about the absurdity of Sometimes these openings might her tears. I have also seen several result in sweating, heat or palpita- people burst out in great guffaws On the Body tions as well, though these could of laughter for no apparent rea- • Usually, the Qi moving through be as a result of the nature of the son, often contagiously inspiring the body follows two different Tea leaves themselves. If the sen- the whole room to laugh. patterns: The first is when it sation is related to the movement moves backwards to forwards in of Qi, it should recede after a few • Sometimes the Qi will pass over waves of subtle sensations. Some- passes. the skin, other times through the times this might feel as a spiral- flesh. If the Tea is strong enough, • Sometimes the initial reaction ing around the body. The second the whole body will be enveloped of the Qi might cause emotions is a kind of delicate pulsing or in a warm vibration of energy to surface. I have witnessed sev- rhythm inside the body. that feels like tingling. eral people weep when they first

35/ Understanding Qi, Part II • There are some teas that even more powerful and enduring than there are gaps between the atoms of bring with them a sensation as Yang energy. the body. The movement or pulsing if the Qi is descending on one is slower with more space between from without, like standing in a Strong Cha Qi (Yang) the so-called “wavelengths” of the shower of water. vibrations in the body. The second Yang refers to the masculine, variety moves more rapidly and feels On the Hands and Legs outward opening of energy. It is the like a strong current of too many birth, the creativity and flourishing small particles to really distinguish • TheQi is easier to feel moving of outward motion. This energy is any one. This kind of Qi is higher in down the elbows towards the brisk and quick, arising fiercely and density and often merges the whole palms and then the fingertips. It passionately, but ultimately burning body into a mass of waves that are often causes them to feel slightly out into blackness. It is the daytime vibrating briskly. numb. It may be felt as an ever- sun and growth of living things. so-slight sting in the fingertips This stronger kind of Cha Qi With these guidelines, we that isn’t uncomfortable, and is often hits one after the first sip, or hope you will begin to utilize Tea for useful for concentration. smell even. Some teas will cause Qi Qi cultivation if you haven’t already. to rise right to the top of the head In doing so, we can appreciate yet after the first taste, causing a numb another dimension of Tea. And that’s Soft Cha Qi (Yin) feeling similar to that felt just before important to remember: we aren’t fainting. This type of Qi often causes suggesting that Qi is more enjoyable In looking at the traditional grosser sensations like perspiration, than other aspects of Tea, like fla- symbol for Yin and Yang as it has heat or a quickened pulse. How- vor, aroma or mouthfeel, but rather been represented for so long, one ever, after these pass and blockages that without it, your experience of a can see that both the white Yang and are cleared, one is usually left with Tea is incomplete. Furthermore, Qi black Yin contain a seed of the other an overall sense of comfort. We cultivation plays a large role in what within them, which is to say that have found that the stronger, Yang makes Tea a Dao, a Way, for it is they are interdependent and can- Qi tends to follow two general pat- through this that we find connection not arise without the other. In other terns: One is lower in density, caus- to the Universe around us, our inner words, there is no pure Yin energy, ing a sensation that feels almost as if Stillness and each other as well. as it will always have elements of its counterpart. Yin represents darkness, passivity and femininity; it refers to the deeper, accepting, introverted nature of things—the movement inward, subtle and gentle; the dying and ending of all things. The Daoist novel from the Song Dynasty, Seven Daoist Masters, translated eloquently by Eva Wong, speaks about the more spiritual side of these energies thus: “Yang is the clear, conceptualizing intelligence; Yin is the receptive, intuiting quietude.” This kind of Qi makes one’s mind calm and generates a peaceful, light feeling. It is elegant and often results in a cottony inner rhythm. The gentleness can increase grad- ually, but even when perception is consumed by it, this kind of Qi remains feathery and light. It is soft and comfortable. Usually, Yin energy is deeper and more consuming, as well as longer lasting than its counterpart. Yin energy takes much longer to gather strength, like water ever so slowly pouring downward, but once it does become great, it will be

36 Tea Wayfarer

Each month, we introduce one of the Global Tea Hut members to you in these magazines in order to help you get to know more people in this growing international community. It’s also to pay homage to the many man- ifestations that all this wonderful spirit and Tea are becoming, as the Tea is drunk and becomes human. The energy of the Tea fuels some great work in this world, and we are so honored to share glimpses of such beautiful people and their Tea. This month we would like to introduce the talented Solala Towler:

I never drank tea or coffee when I was young, but in the early 70’s, while living in a meditation hut on a quiet street in Berkeley, my friend Spike introduced me to the delights of coffee. I became a dedicated coffee drinker after that. Then, in the late 70’s, after a bout with infectious hepatitis, I switched to red tea. Around twenty-five years ago, when I was exploring Daoist thought, Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine, I switched to green tea and truly began my tea journey. Each morning, I begin the day with several pots of Dragon Well (Long Jing) green tea. I find it provides a gentle lift rather than a big jolt like coffee or strong red tea. I still like a good cup of Indian chai in the afternoon, though. I had one of the best cups of tea in my life (along with the best slice of apple pie I ever had) at a hotel in Lhasa, Tibet, run by folks from Nepal. I sat in the courtyard of the traditional-style hotel at 3,600 meter on a sunny day, just happy to be alive and in Tibet, a life-long dream. The tea journey is like this: different cups of tea suit different places and times, and often seem to capture and enhance the moment in such a special way. These days, I often brew gongfu tea for many people, including some friends who’ve never seen a gongfu tea ceremony and wonder why I am pouring out the first I am so happy to connect with this wonderful family steeping when I just told them that we’re drinking a high of tea through this magazine and plan on coming to visit quality tea! I find that when I teach Qigong seminars, hav- Tea Sage Hut after my next trip to China. I am also very ing a tea ceremony in the middle is a great way to help happy to connect with my new tea brother, Wu De. I feel people arrive in the present moment and share some nice such a kinship with him through his books and this mag- plant/water/fire energies in the middle of the weekend. I azine. I am grateful that such a wonderful thing exists and have also started having full moon gongfu tea ceremonies look forward to sharing these teas with so many tea brothers for around fifteen people. and sisters all over the world! A few years ago, I got to write a book called Cha Dao: The Way of Tea, Tea as a Way of Life published by a company called Singing Dragon. It is really a primer on I can be reached for tea at [email protected] Daoism and Zen, using the metaphor of Tea Mind to or at my website: www.abodetao.com. explore those philosophies. It was a very fun project to do, fueled by numberless cups of fine tea! I have been publishing the Daoist journal The Empty Vessel for twenty-one years and lead annual tours to the sacred Daoist mountains of China to drink tea, practice Qigong and meditation. 37 Inside the Hut

In Los Angeles, there are Global Tea Hut events every Thursday at 6 PM and Sunday at 9:30 AM. To reserve a spot, email Colin at [email protected]. The community in LA also has a new meet up page: (http://www. meetup.com/Los-Angeles-Tea-Ceremony-Meetup/).

In Barcelona, Spain, Global Tea Hut member Anto- nio holds tea events each month at Caj Chai Teahouse. Contact him at [email protected] for more info.

In Moscow, Russia, there are frequent tea events. Contact Tea Hut member Ivan at [email protected] or Denis at [email protected] for details.

In Nice, France, GTH member Sabine holds regular tea events at the tearoom Les Causeries de Blandine. You can email her at [email protected].

In Darwin, Australia, Sam holds GTH tea events on Fridays at 6 PM. Email him at [email protected].

In Tallinn, Estonia, Chado tea shop holds events most Friday evenings at 7 PM. Contact events@firstflush. ee for more details. Also, Timo Einpaul and Herkko Labi Center News both hold small weekly tea events in their homes in Tartu, Before you visit, check out the center’s website Estonia and Tallinn, Estonia (respectively), on Wednes- (www.teasagehut.org) to read about the schedule, days at 6 PM. You can email Timo at [email protected] and food, what you should bring, etc. We’ve had a big Herkko at [email protected]. increase in our number of guests lately, so if possible please contact us well in advance to arrange a visit. In England, Prabhasvara (Nick Dilks) holds regular Tea events all around the UK including a weekly Tea Club in Birmingham. For more information, please contact If you are interested in one of the 2014 Ai Lao him at [email protected]. cakes you should order one soon. There were only 150 made in total and many have already been sold. Check out our website for details: www.globaltea- In Almere, The Netherlands, GTH member Jas- hut/lmlcakes.html per holds tea events every 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:45 PM. Email him at [email protected]. Our two other puerh cakes will be arriving any day now! Look for updates online or in next month’s magazine. OCTOBER AFFIRMATION Wu De will be teaching in Spain & France Tea is infused by us, as much as by this month. Contact Antonio at Caj Chai Teahouse the water and fire. ([email protected]) for more information about dates and events. In what ways am I putting my heart and soul into the Tea I brew? Is my Tea Wu De’s new book is being formatted and will a service for others? soon be ready. We’ll be announcing its publication here and online! Tea Inspired Poetry The world sometimes feels dark, lonely and lost, And you, you are so far away. But there are always two bowls on my table... —Wu De (Based on an anonymous Tang Dynasty poem.)