From celebrity-branded chai to matcha lattes, Canada’s love for tea has grown exponentially. Yet for many countries, tea has always been important. This simple brew of plant leaves and water has a long, thriving cultural and religious history. Our Tea & Buddhism workshop series will tell this story of tea – from its humble origins to its role in modern political struggles.
Our workshops will focus on the tea culture of three major tea regions – The Himalayas, China, and Japan. Each workshop will feature a talk from a local scholar on the relationship of tea, tea culture, and Buddhism. Following the workshop will be a tea tasting that highlights the ritual practice of tea drinking in each region. These tasting with feature popular styles of tea from each region, and guests will leave with samples for home.
Everyone is welcome to all events, but spots are limited. Follow the links below to register.
Registration opens Monday, Sept 25, 2017
Explore the workshops:
The Himalayas
October 14
The Talk
Cha/i and Tea: Himalayan Histories of Nature, Commodity, & Intimacies
by Dr. Jayeeta Sharma, University of Toronto
The Tasting
A tasting of Himalayan teas (registration required)
by Connie Fong, Tea Sommelier
China
November 4
The Talk
Buddhism and the Invention of Tea Culture in Medieval China
by Dr. James Benn, McMaster University
The Tasting
Chinese tea ceremony demonstration and tea tasting (registration required)
by Sabrina Chen, Tearoma
Japan
December 10
The Talk
Tea-rroir? Green Tea and the Taste of Place in Japan
by Dr. Greg de St. Maurice, University of Toronto
The Tasting
Discussion of Japanese tea ceremony and a tasting (registration required)
by Momo Yoshida, Momo Tea
