“The Way of Tea”

A 6-month Virtual Group Mentorship steeped in the Leaf

Fall ‘24 Group is Full

We gather together for 6 months to cultivate daily practice in “The Way of Tea”,
to be steeped in the ceremony and wisdom of the Leaf.

We come together bi weekly in our virtual space to share Tea in silence. Each session will be followed by various wisdom talks/workshops on tea and ceremony, with space afterward for questions around daily practice.

This mentorship will support a consistency of practice that will assist you in learning the art and preparation of Bowl Tea Ceremony. This foundational brewing method helps to build an intimate relationship to the spirit of
Tea as medicine, cultivating equanimity and devotion in daily life.
No matter where you find yourself on your journey with Tea, this immersive time will be valuable
Whether you are just beginning a practice or find yourself in service,
there is always have an opportunity to learn, refine, and begin again.


This Container is for:

• Community to deepen together in shared practice
• Making space for meditation
• Accountability in daily practice
• Self-Cultivation through devotion
• Slowing down and developing mindfulness
• those wanting to strengthen a relationship to method and form
• tea lovers

—

Cha Dao "The Way of Tea" is a pathway for practice and a way of life. Since its discovery in Yunnan, Southern Province China, the leaf has been used by the Daoists and Sages as a form of medicine and a way to cultivate awakened presence; sustaining long states of meditation and making space for healing. Tea is a subtle, yet powerful plant teacher; the spirit of Nature, manifested through this Leaf and awakened by hot water. Prepared in ceremony, it is a dance between the elements, a sensory exploration of presence, where everything is connected by space. Tea lessons are life lessons.
It expands our awareness, gives exactly what is needed, all the while meeting us exactly where we are.
Living a life of Tea has the potential to reshape life and the way we see the world.
—

12 spaces available. All genders welcome.
Any stage of practice is welcomed.

group mentorships will be offered twice a year
(smaller private groups and 1:1 mentorships are available upon request - dates, times and exchange subject for change)

workshops

throughout the 6 months we will explore various topics:

Bowl Tea: “The Sacred Vessel”
The Five Basics of Tea
The form for Bowl Tea Practice
The 4 Virtues
Living a Life of Tea
The Art of Chaxi
Water - “The Mother of Tea”
Practice Sessions

exchange

investment - $555 /month
(early bird 499 / month)

includes:
12 virtual workshops/practice sessions/recordings
an understanding of the foundational method, preparation and ceremony of bowl tea
group messaging thread for sharing/reflections/questions
reading lists
playlists for Tea

practitioner shares

“The Way of Tea Group Immersion was many things, much of it difficult to describe through the spoken word. To capture the experience in its essence, it was rich, tender, expansive, and pure heart. I joined at a time of deep grief while I was supporting my father in his late stage cancer journey and impending transition. Though my devotion to the daily practice remained consistent during this time, the heart part of my practice felt muddied. I longed for tea community while being away from my home city, to further ground within the practice. The 6 month container provided not only a soft landing for continued studentship and self cultivation, but an invitation to be held and to hold others in community through personal and collective tenderness. This time together ultimately served as a tending to my inner wells to fortify my devotion to the practice, and enabled me to anchor in the pain and discomfort through the waves of my grief with acceptance, gratitude, and love. Heartfelt gratitude and love to Baelyn for guiding this space so steadily, and reverently.” ~Jen Pi, Spring 2024

“We gathered together for 6 months in a dedicated, sacred container cultivating a deep, daily practice steeped in ceremony and the forever wisdom of the Leaf.  Tien Wu ~ a mentor like no other!  Strict, playful, wise, brilliant, always expanding...
As a teacher Tien Wu has cultivated a deep resonance & reverence in my life sharing this ancient wisdom & form that I am eternally grateful for.  I highly recommend this course!”  ~ Tray S, Fall 2023

“I would say that it feels like meeting in a glade. We walk and wander through the forest, on paths, off paths, exploring and pondering and learning our lessons, and we meet in the glade to discuss and clear and share and grow together, then back out we go, til the following meeting. With support in place in between, of course.
Having access to Tien and her wisdom, has accelerated my deepening relationship with tea in an unquantifiable way. I am approaching a year of being in studentship with her and there is just nothing that compares to having a direct teacher, watching and guiding you along your practice. I find her extremely approachable and open hearted in answering and listening, while holding a space of expectation that greatly benefits the practice.” ~Chalise Marie, Fall 2023, Spring 2024

“Tian skillfully teaches the practical and poetic aspects of tea ceremony in this group mentorship. I found her integrity to her own studentship present in the way she teaches and holds space. It was helpful to be in an intimate group where we could ask questions and share our insights. I’ve come away from the mentorship with more curiosity, humbleness, and respect toward this lineage.”
~Leia Layus Fall 2023

“With whom do you establish the standards of practice in your daily life? The ancestors warned us not to set up standards on our own. Without support, how do you know that you're not just practicing according to your dispositions and going along with your prej-udices? In order to practice, we all need someone in our lives to whom we are accountable, someone whom we have asked to give us feedback on our practice, someone to guide us in finding a balance in the midst of our likes and dislikes.” 
- Being Upright “Reb Anderson”

Due the the intimate nature of this offering, space is limited. For further questions, to join the waiting list, or
to receive upcoming dates for in person immersions, please contact wayofteaimmersion@gmail.com