Are You Truly There for Your Cup of Tea? Practical Ways to Slow Down (Episode #6)

Welcome to episode six of The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living, a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives.

In this episode, hosts Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and lay Buddhist practitioner and journalist Jo Confino talk about the sacred practice of drinking tea, and why it’s important in a world where grabbing a cup of tea on the go seems to be the norm. 

Over a cup of genmai (cloud tea), they discuss bringing the energy of mindfulness into daily life with a cup of tea; sitting with a cup of tea and its power to bring people together; the ceremony behind this daily habit and why enjoying making tea is just as important as drinking it.

Brother Phap Huu recalls making his first cup of tea for Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, as his attendant, and doing so again years later, after Thay’s stroke. The brother explains why drinking tea is so significant in a Zen monastery; how to feel at home with a tea kit; and why one should offer and receive a cup of tea with both hands. There’s even an in-depth exploration of the types of tea drunk in Plum Village.

Jo recollects Thich Nhat Hanh’s calligraphies and why he poured tea into the ink. He discusses transformative moments in simple gestures, and shares his love of PG Tips and how it can get one through climate talks. 

The conversation also touches upon slowing down and enjoying the simple things in life; good habits; the cloud in the cup of tea. And have you ever wondered if the tea is experiencing us too? They did.

You’ll also experience the mindfulness bell of the Plum Village monastery.

Finally, Brother Phap Huu ends the episode with a guided meditation.

Co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/

And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/

With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation:
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/

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List of resources

The Tea Inside the Calligraphy
https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/the-tea-inside-the-calligraphy/ 

Schumacher College
https://campus.dartington.org/schumacher-college/

Kukicha
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kukicha

High-mountain tea
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-mountain_tea 

Cloud tea
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_tea 

Bamboo shoots and tea
https://plumvillage.org/articles/bamboo-shoots-and-tea/

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Quotes

“If you know how to slow down and be more present, allow things to settle, then your way of life will be much better.”

“Even a small, simple practice, like drinking tea, contains all of life.”

“A woman in the Indian Sangha said, ‘In India, they say if it’s hot, it’s time for tea. If it’s cold, it’s time for tea. If you’re happy, it’s time for tea. If you’re sad, it’s time for tea. It’s something that calms us down.’”

“When you drink a cup of tea, you’re not drinking your projects, you’re not drinking your worries; you’re not drinking, you’re thinking. And it’s a real art for being in the present moment.”

“There’s something very powerful and symbolic about tea. It’s a chance to come back to ourselves, to relax, to hold something in the palms of our hands – which is itself almost a reverent act, to feel the heat, to smell the aroma. It’s actually a very visceral experience.”

“The cloud is in your tea.”

“In the present moment, the way we live, the way we think, the way we talk, and the way we act is a contribution to society, to life. So our actions are already our reincarnation.”

“It’s an act of awakening: to wake up to life and smell the fragrance of the tea; you taste it, you feel its warmth, and turn to your body. It’s very simple, but very deep in that moment. If you allow yourself to be in the very here and now, drinking tea is meditation in disguise.” 

“This cup of tea in my two hands is mindfulness held perfectly. My mind and body dwell in the very here and now.” 

“Having good habits is part of meditation.”

“You can have a moment of enlightenment just sitting there drinking your tea.”

“Have time for a cup of tea, because it is present for you. You just have to be there for it.”