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Greetings to all tea brothers/sisters/friends out there!
This tea story started in 1998 in Bali, where I lived at that time. (I was born 40 years before in Germany.)
It all began when I meet my teacher (Daniel Reid) and his wife (Snow) in Bali. Snow made the first cup of tea for me. She channeled the energy of Kuan Yin (who took me on as her student) and the rest is a long and wonderful journey.
I studied with Dan and Snow in Chiang Mai. Those five months were filled with Chi-gong, healthy living, cleansing the body and drinking tea.
Since 2002, I have been blessed with the task of making tea for many people in two health resorts on Koh Samui, in Thailand (that island and country which Kaiya forgets to mention in most GTH issues!!!).
The first time I heard about Wu De was through The Leaf. Then, I bought The Way of Tea and loved it. And, finally, I visited him in Miao Li. Although I can only stay in one or two days at any time, upon leaving the tea center I feel rejuvenated, as though I have been in a timeless space. For me, there is something deep and old between Wu De and myself.
When I read the story about Baisao in Wu De's book, I was blown away. Not only do our names sound similar, but, like Baisao, I serve tea based on donation and I am fond of writing tea poems. Here's one tea poem I wrote:
If you have any trouble Drink a cup of tea If you have no trouble Drink a cup of tea
The tea teaches me so deeply. When I am in Taiwan, I am happy about the great Taiwanese people I am able to meet, the mountains and their misty pathways. And in Thailand, I am happy about all the people who come along for tea. There is always silence and ruckus as well, as sometimes I make tea for 20 to 30 people from many different countries. It is not always "meditative" - though someone always tells me how it showed them something deeper.
I do not "know" much about tea. My first Zen master - Zeane Lao Shin - took me as his cook, because I had no "idea" about cooking... and sometimes I have that feeling about the tea as well. Every time I visit Taiwan, another door opens and I keep learning. And I am grateful for all of it. For now, my friends, that is all. Blessings, Love, Light, Health, Success and great teas wishes to you!
Just one more story: Through tea, sometimes we not only meet friends. My brother Yeshe met his wife through tea, and I met my beloved ten years ago through tea. So, take a deep look into those with whom you share tea... you never know what may happen!
