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.

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.

There are three two-page written assignments for this class. They are graded based on whether you reflected upon the presented material and generated a thoughtful response.

Classes will take place at the Universal Chan Zen Center from 5:50-7:30PM Berkeleytime on Wednesdays barring COVID regulations (Note: the time slot says 5:30-7:30 but that's incorrect!). The 79 Bus will take you directly to Universal Chan from the Berkeley area. If COVID restrictions are in place, then the class will be taught remotely via Zoom with an option for small group in-person tea tastings through the Universal Chan Tea Chan Club (if COVID regulations allow for this).

Acceptance into TeaCal is first come, first served. We will give out the Enrollment Code to the first 33 students who fill out the Google Form application + attend the first Zoom infosession meeting on Wednesday 1/26 at 5:50pm. Attending the infosession is mandatory in order to have a chance at getting into the class. Please join our 1/26 infosession with this link: https://berkeley.zoom.us/j/91831002213 Meeting ID: 918 3100 2213 Passcode: greentea22 Thank you. First day of class: 2/2 in person at Universal Chan. At the moment, the decal is planned for FULL IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION beginning 2/2.