heavens tea - portland school of tea arts

“LET TEA DRINK YOU, SAVOR YOU, AND SIT WITH YOU; SHE WILL WHISPER THE SECRETS OF NATURE IN YOUR EAR”

SACRED CHA DAO: TEA CLASSES-  This tea school is primarily about educating you, introducing you to tea and giving you the tools to make the art of tea Your art.

A variety of classes are offered in the sacred art of tea. The aim of my classes is to teach people to make tea their own living art. These sessions instruct in both the secular, practical aspects of knowing tea as well as the deeper, sacred dimensions. Private  classes start at $50 and on up, depending on the type of teas used, for 1-2 people.  Classes can be arranged for 1-3 hours, depending on the depth of experience you want. Group classes (up to six people) available. To arrange classes, contact me through email or phone: 503-230-0953. Below are a few examples of classes offered.

Your Class- I am happy to arrange a class on any aspect of tea you may want and in any price range, just call and we can discuss possibilities.

The Teas of Asia- An introduction to the six classes of teas. In this class we will explore the six classes of teas: white, green, oolong, black, puerh, and herbal. We will learn about what makes each type different, brewing, and how to pick an appropriate tea for the time of day and occasion.

The Tea-ware of Asia- Lessons in the different types of classical tea-ware, their uses and the types of tea best suited for them. Advanced classes include the vibrational aspects of different tea-ware materials and how these effect the energy of the tea used and the power of intention when relating to and using a teapot. (tea-ware develops character depending on how it is handled and used, this is reflected in certain aspects of all tea ceremony)

The Art of Brewing - Classes in  how to brew the different types of tea, about water and tea (water is the most important element in brewing), choosing the right kind of brewing kettle and the internal aspects of brewing tea.

Chinese Tea Ceremony-Lessons in how to perform Chinese tea ceremony along with an explanation of the different types of equipment used. Chinese tea ceremony is a very simplified tea ritual that offers one endless insights into the heart of the art of tea.

Tea and Terroir- In this class we examine the role of land in relation to tea: We will see how the same type of tea, when grown in different countries (or even different mountains within the same country) have profoundly different flavors, aromas and energetic qualities. Tea is very similar to wine in this respect.

Tea and the Sacred- Drinking and serving tea can be a profoundly sacred experience. These classes focus on the role of self, presence, awareness, beauty, intention, attention and service to others through these qualities. You will also learn how to practice to serve tea as a platform from which to cultivate and embody these qualities.

The Energetics of Tea-Each tea holds within itself a different vibration which will effect the drinkers state In these classes we explore the relationship between tea and internal states and explore the variety of places to which teas can take you within. For example, some teas make you meditative, some make you active, some make you ecstatic and some connect you with the Tao. Teas can also have different healing properties. Come explore with me!

Tea and Meditation- This session focus on selecting and using the right teas for meditation and inner practice. Session includes a 40 minute class followed by a 20 minute meditation

Tea Outings in Nature: We can go to the coast or the mountains for a day hike and have an exquisite tea session in a beautiful environment.

Tea and Meditation Sessions: A tea session to calm and open using powerful sacred teas, followed by meditation session. I have over 25 years of deep practice with meditation and inner yogic practices and you will be led on a beautiful journey. 1hour, $35-50, sliding scale.

Tea Education Sessions:Instructional sessions focusing on desired aspects of tea knowledge. (See Cha Dao tea class page)

Tea Offering Ceremonies : A tea and offering ceremony; offerings can be made on half of a friend in need, for a healing, or for whatever the participant wants. Ceremonies include tea together, a short mediation and the offerings (such as tea, fruit, flowers, incense, etc.) are made at my temple shrine altar. It does not matter what faith or spiritual discipline you follow- these ceremonies are designed to connect you to the depth of own heart and then to make an offering from that place to something higher. Tea has the capacity to help shift us into a higher place in ourselves and so is a perfect medium for this type of ceremony.