Mindfulness T Drinking
Drawing Inspiration from Mindfulness:
Tea delights through all seasons, and pleases all senses. One can sense the essence of flora and the breath of vast fields with every sip. Tdarks is dedicated to crafting teas that encapsulate the rich tapestry of the Eastern culture, harmonizing all sensory experiences and weaving through the seasons. With the timeless depth of tea and its culture of mindful stillness, we aim to help every individual find their own moments of "flow".
Living in the Present Moment
Inspired by the "Lotus Tea" of Thich Nhat Hanh .
The following is an excerpt from "Lotus Tea":
Lotus Tea Spending time sincerely with others, allowing us to understand and bring joy to each other.
Many years ago, in Vietnam, people often rowed small boats to the center of lotus ponds, placing some tea leaves inside blooming lotus flowers. The lotus would close at night, infusing the tea leaves with its fragrance. Then, waiting for the serene moment of the early morning when dewdrops still shimmered on vast lotus leaves, people would return to their boats and, together with their friends, gather the tea leaves. They would bring everything needed to make aromatic tea onto the boat: boiling water, tea cups, and teapots. Then, under the enchanting light of dawn, they prepared and drank the tea in the center of the lotus pond, enjoying the tranquility of the morning. Today, we might still have lotus ponds, but it seems we no longer have the time to stop and truly appreciate them, let alone make and drink tea like that.
In Plum Village (梅村), we often practice 'tea meditation'. Tea meditation means spending two or three hours leisurely drinking a cup of tea. We'd first take time to prepare everything, ensuring we can enjoy a peaceful and calm atmosphere. We arrange sitting cushions and mats in a circle, placing a beautiful flower vase and some candles in the center. Then, together, we'd spend about an hour and a half, savoring a cup of tea, a biscuit, and the company of others. We don’t do anything or go anywhere, just share poems, songs, and stories, and anything deep within our hearts in such a calm, intimate, and relaxed environment. Normally, drinking a cup of tea only takes a few minutes, but spending so much time genuinely with others enhances our mutual understanding and happiness."
