This class is an exploration of tea and mindfulness. We will learn about and taste different categories of tea, specifically studying what tea actually is; the history of its production and distribution; the effect of different regions, soil, air quality, and processing on the tea; the connection between tea and nature; and the processes like oxidation, fermentation, and pan frying. Furthermore, students will learn how to make tea, using different tea vessels and tea steeping methods. Finally, this class will also ask students to be mindful while drinking tea, emphasizing the ways mindfulness can change the experience of drinking tea, and the historical relationship between Chan Buddhism and tea. Students will do Chan meditation, relaxation techniques, and Chan exercises, as this class teaches how Chan relates to our daily lives and can be practiced in every moment.
Prerequisites: The desire and willingness to learn; open-mindedness. An ability to drink caffeine; be aware of any medical conditions that would prevent you from doing so. An ability to drink hot drinks. Willingness to learn material about Buddhism, Chan (Zen), and meditation, in conjunction with tea.
Grading:
30%: Attendance is mandatory—1 excused absence & 1 unexcused absence is allowed.
If you miss class for the 3rd time, you must make up the absence by going to one of Universal Chan’s meditation classes. If you do not make up your 3rd absence or you miss more than 3 classes, you will receive a No Pass.
30%: Class Participation. Be involved!!! Everyone must participate, describe the taste, aromas, etc.
40%: Written assignments. There are three written assignments that are each two pages (double spaced) each of which must be turned in in order to Pass.
Note: TeaCal is Wednesdays 5:45-7:45pm (the box under the Time category says 5:30-7:30pm but that's incorrect!)
You are also invited to join UC Berkeley Tea Chan Club!
Tea Chan Club is a club for UC Berkeley students who love tea and would like to explore the wondrous world of tea with fellow tea enthusiasts by coming together to enjoy special, themed biweekly gongfu tea tasting events intertwined with Chan (Zen) wisdom for a full meditative tea tasting experience.
Time: Saturdays 3-5pm, every other week
Location: Universal Chan Zen Center @ 445 Colusa Ave, Kensington, CA 94707
Sign up here: tinyurl.com/teachanclubsignup
Section | Facilitator | Size | Location | Time | Starts | Status | CCN(LD) | CCN(UD) |
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Decal | __ | 100 | Zoom | [W] 5:30PM-7:30PM | 9/1/2021 | Full | -- | -- |
Name | Download Link | ||
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TeaCal Syllabus Fall 2021 | Download |