The Matcha, the Mindset, and the Meditation.
In this final part of our tea series (for now), we’ll discuss matcha, ceremony, and meditation. Methods, meaning, and mindfulness is a big part of the Japanese perspective; this is why Japanese artisanal products are renowned all over the world. The craftsmanship within these products are centuries in the making, which gives consumers an experience unique as they are. And of course, tea is no exception — especially with matcha.
Today, let’s learn a little bit about the process and how matcha can be good for your body and your mind.
History of Tea Ceremony
Tea and Zen Buddhism were once inextricable; in fact, tea originated within Zen Buddhist monasteries in China thousands of years ago as an aid for long stretches of meditation.
According to Matchaful, the powdered tea form later known as matcha dates back to the Tang Dynasty in China between the 7th and 10th centuries, making it one of the oldest styles of tea. As tea used to be processed and formed into bricks (to make transportation easier), the leaves would then be ground before being whisked into hot water.
Within the 13th century, tea was disseminated all throughout Eastern Asia and the wealthier classes in Japan got to participate in this now “refined activity” coined a tea ceremony (‘sadō/chadō’ (茶道) or ‘chanoyu’ (茶の湯)).
But refined, it was not.
For the next 200 years, “tea ceremonies” were actually boisterous events with drinking games and a rather ostentatious showing of wealth with the amount of variety one has of this exclusive beverage. World History Encyclopedia went on to note that it wasn’t until a shogun named Ashikaga Yoshimasa in the 15th century who brought the culture of the tea ceremony back to its “zen” roots by focusing on the ritual of tea-making and the knowledge of all the teaware and accessories within that intricate process. This ritual, largely credited to a Zen buddhist named Sen-no-Rikyu, took over Japanese matcha culture by the 16th century and is the one you can experience today in cities all over the world.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Japanese Tea Ceremony, in particular the type of teaware and the Japanese pottery aesthetic, check out this article by The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Art of Ceremony
Learning the movements and philosophy of the tea ceremony is a delicate study. When learning and experiencing this ritual, you are completely immersed in an environment without phones, jewelry — or even time. Your mind and body remain present within the room, the people just around you, and tea.
While there are some differences between ceremonies in regards to formality, season, or even purpose, the central idea as the host is to show your guests the “dance” of tea-making in a fluid and meaningful way. The Tea Letter compared it to calligraphy and said, “[I]t’s difficult when done in a disjointed series of steps. Without coordination and proper movement, the process feels awkward and uncomfortable. When each “stroke” or movement aligns with the next. The process has a flow and a beauty that leaves the practitioner and the guest feeling satisfied.”
And like with any performance art: practice makes perfect. While the internet offers crash courses and at-distance learning for your ease and pleasure, taking in-person lessons is the best way to make sure you have every detail right. Tea Ceremony lessons can be found in plenty of major cities around the world, and in (of course) Japan. If you want the Full Monty, expect weekly lessons for several months. To become a tea master, expect to be in study for 10 years (on average).
Learning the tea ceremony can be a fulfilling experience for people of all ages, and can also be your new, meditative hobby! Check out a tea school near you (or online) for your options.
Check out The Tea Letter’s post about his Japanese tea ceremony studies here!
Matcha & Health
Now, matcha is probably the most healthful tea in the entire tea oeuvre. This is due to the fact that you are drinking the entire tea leaf, fibers and all! The leaves themselves are grown underneath a shade for the last 2–3 weeks of their first flush. Like gyokuro, this process increases the chlorophyll and the nutrients within the leaves. After careful and light processing, the leaves are then ground into a powder on a granite stone — in the dark. According to this Time Magazine article, the grinding of the leaves is done slowly and in the dark to best preserve the nutrients of this high grade tea. Some of these benefits include:
- Energy with focus, thanks to the pairing of caffeine and L-theanine.
- High levels of antioxidants (one cup of matcha = 10 cups of brewed green tea)
- “Catechins” that have cancer-fighting properties, as well as counteracting damaging environmental effects
EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) is the workhorse for a lot of these benefits; it helps your immune system, nervous system, and even when you’re trying to lose weight. If you’re looking to incorporate some matcha and gain all of its benefits, skip the sugar-laden lattes and just whisk with hot water! The flavor is similar to robust and creamy wheatgrass, with a refreshing aftertaste that will awaken both mind and body.
Watch this video Tea of Japan for a traditional & easy method of preparing a cup of matcha!
Meditation
In our buzzing, technological, and news-filled world, sometimes we need to take a break and perhaps “touch some grass”. How about we do it with our mouth? You can follow the traditional method for matcha, or just take the time to make yourself a cup of tea — any tea at all! Consider this your excuse for a moment of meditation.
Alo Moves — a yoga and fitness website — wrote, “Carving out time for a comforting ritual like tea and meditation every day can bring a sense of groundedness, peace, and gratitude to your daily life.”
And this isn’t just some hippie jargon. The Mayo Clinic reported on both emotional and physical benefits of meditation, like managing stress, heart issues and even irritable bowel syndrome. In the time you prepare a cup of tea, you can use those five minutes to center your being in order to support your mind and tackle the day with precision.
So don’t just believe the “chanting, cross-legged on the floor” cliché — meditation means you make time for your mind how you want. Having your own small ritual like making tea means that you matter. You are deserving to take up this space. Your body and your mind deserve this ceremony for holistic nourishment. Luckily with tea, it can be tasty too.
Throw on some noise-canceling headphones or ear plugs. Relax your breathing. Give yourself a word of the day. Have some tea.
