Technologies of the Self : The Way of Tea

itlookslikeitsopen studio

Sunday, February 19, 2012 1:00pm until 3:00pm

Time oozed from my pores,
Drinking tea
I tasted the seven seas.
-Shinkichi Takahashi

The tea plant, camellia sinensis, likely originated in Himalayan region. By the 8th century it had developed deep cultural significance in Asia, and regional forms of tea drinking had developed in China, Japan, Korea and elsewhere. Influenced by Ch’an/Zen practice, aesthetics is cultivated through the communication with tea, tea wares, and people; facilitating calm awakening in dialog with nature.

In the third in a series of five “Technologies of the Self” events, Sherab Chen will demonstrate "The Way of Tea" (茶道 or "Tea Ceremony") based on his extensive research and experience with Asian tea culture. Participants will learn how teas are prepared and shared with friends in a traditional manner. Such an event is called a Tea Gathering (茶會/茶席). Sherab may demonstrate a "modified kongfu cha" style, incorporating elements of the 功夫茶 kongfu cha traditions.

Sherab is translator of English, Chinese, Tibetan, and Sanskrit and a long time practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. He studies and practices tea culture with OSU student group TEAgether. He blogs in English and Chinese at <http://awakeningaroma.blogspot.com/> and <http://lightoflapislazuli.wordpress.com/> among other places.

***Facilitators are not expecting payment and all sessions are by donation. Please contribute to the cost of their visit, and the rent and maintenance of the studio space, with a small contribution.

[Photo by Sherab Chen)