“The first cup moistens my lips and throat.
The second cup breaks my loneliness.
The third cup searches my soul and finds five thousand volumes of wisdom.”
— Lu Tong, Tang Dynasty poet & tea scholar, Song of Seven Cups of Tea

For centuries, tea has been cherished not only as a drink, but as a practice of daily inner cultivation — a still & moving art expressed through the simple act of preparing and sharing a cup. When we slow down to make tea with intention, we are invited to listen more deeply, soften our pace, and rediscover the quiet beauty of presence, tea and water.

The Art of Chinese Tea: Cha Dao for Joy, Presence & Growth is a practice of reconnecting with yourself through Cha Dao (The Way of Tea), Gongfu tea, Qigong, and guided reflection.

Each class begins with Opening Qigong to settle the body and calm the mind, preparing us to explore the art and living traditions of Chinese tea. Each week, we will steep in the teachings of Cha Dao, deepening our understanding through tea philosophy, poetry, traditional utensils, mindful brewing, preparation, and the timeless wisdom of the Way of Tea.

In Cha Dao, we meet tea, water, nature, and the present moment. As your practice deepens, tea and water become your teachers, revealing patience, clarity, adaptability, gratitude, joyful presence, growth, and wisdom that extends far beyond the teacup. Alongside these timeless qualities, you’ll build the confidence and skill to prepare and appreciate Chinese tea with care.

In this class, you will:

• Experience traditional Chinese Gongfu tea preparation through demonstrations and hands-on practice with teaware, including the gaiwan and teapot
• Learn the philosophy of Cha Dao (The Way of Tea), the journey of tea from leaf to water to cup, and the meaning held within each step
• Develop mindful tea tasting skills while exploring tea varieties, water quality, preparation, storage, and care
• Discover how tea and water cultivate qualities such as calm, adaptability, clarity, and reverence
• Sense the flow of Qi through the tea-making process and explore tea as a practice of presence, reflection, and joyful living
• Carry the wisdom of tea into daily life through guided reflection and a supportive community of practice

Join Jade Chan and Deeshen Shah, Qigong teachers and tea practitioners, for a journey into the art of Chinese tea. Jade and Deeshen have studied this art under Qigong and tea masters in Taiwan, deepening their practice through years of hands-on experience, research, and visits to tranquil high-mountain tea gardens and traditional tea houses.

Step into this space, slow down, and let the ritual of tea cultivate greater joy, presence, harmony and mindful growth — one cup at a time.

Class Schedule

This post is also available in: