CHA DAO
The Online platform and community
Dedicated to the exploration of tea.
On this journey, we explore many layers of stories, practices and rituals with tea. We come across different topics related to tea culture, cultivate a relationship with the tea plant, and rituals to explore its medicine. We learn the difference between tea as a commodity versus tea as a plant ally. We explore the difference between toxic tea plantations and mass production versus how to source tea produced in alignment with the delicate way of Nature. We explore the transformative way of the leaves, and their elemental wisdom.
In this course, we rekindle our connection with the five phases of Nature (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal & Water) — and the five spirits of Nature (Hun, Shen, Yi, Po, Zhi) — through the ritual and practice of tea meditation. We explore different forms of tea rituals ; gong fu cha, senchado, powdered tea (matcha), as well as minimal simple practices with tea.
Essentially, we explore how tea can become a gateway to remembering the primordial connection between Human & Nature.
-
A french version is available here
Course JOURNEY - THE nine chapters
1. A STORY OF TEA
Origin, cultural context, the many layers of the tea practice,
and an invitation to meditate with tea, with minimal tools.
-
2. TEA PLANT
A journey through the natural, responsible, ethical and sensitive way to produce tea.
The may transformation of the leaf, from the plant to the cup.
-
3. FIVE ELEMENTS & TEA
Water, Wood, Fire, Earth & Metal.
Tea as a plant ally.
-
4. THE ART OF GONG FU CHA
An artistic expression of presence
-
5. SENCHADO & ZEN
The Japanese art and mindfulness of tea
-
6. FROM SELF PRACTICE, TO CEREMONIAL TEA
Tea as a self-practice, and community offering.
-
7. BEYOND THE RITUAL
Tea as a way of life.
-
8. THE FORGOTTEN MATRILINEAL STORY OF TEA
An exploration of the influence of women in the story of tea.
-
9. WINTER TEA RITUAL : ROASTED TEA
A shared tea ritual, involving the roasting of tea leaves with the Horoku.
-
10. WU SHEN TEA MEDITATION
Five meditations, to journey with the five spirits.
IN THIS COURSE, YOU WILL LEARN
Pieces of the story & history of tea.
The philosophy behind tea and its way.
The different types of tea and their process of transformation ; green, yellow, white, oolong, red, purple, aged and fermented tea.
The environment and home of the tea tree.
How to source tea responsibly, mindfully, and consciously.
Different forms of tea rituals ; gongfu cha ritual, senchado ritual, minimalist tea practice, powdered tea ritual (matcha), and roasted tea ritual.
Many demonstrations of tea rituals.
Creative and meditative way to cultivate your own tea practice.
The different vessels, tools and accessories needed for every rituals.
How to find balance between honoring your creativity, while respecting tea culture, when sharing tea with your community.
How to rekindle your connection with the five elements, in your tea ritual.
To feel inspired to connect to your environment.
To feel more attuned to Nature.
To explore how tea can become a plant ally.
The invisible presence of women in the ancient story of tea.
Many occasions to meditate with tea.
THIS COURSE INCLUDES
12-months unlimited access to the platform
Video recordings, demonstrating rituals of bowl tea, gongfu cha, senchado, matcha, roasted cha, ceremonial tea offerings, and meditative self practice
Audio recordings of the theory, for all the chapters
Many audio and video guided tea meditations
Written content, for all the theory of the chapters
Photos and illustrations, demonstrating different teas, rituals, vessels, tools, etc.
All the content will only be available on the platform (not downloadable)
Access to our Monthly live Community Tea sessions (via zoom).
Optional : tea course package (available here)
La formation Sur la voie du thé est aussi disponible en Français.
Testimonials
« Words cannot express the immense amount of gratitude that I have for Jade and WAO Tea. Since starting this practice, I have finally found a way of connecting with tea that I have been longing for. »
- Mara Anthony, Sound Healer, USA
« Jade is the true embodiment of Tea Spirit and Tea teachings. I could not be more honored and grateful to have had Jade and Wao Tea to help open up this beautiful practice of Cha Dao for me. »
- Emily Doyle, Herbalist, founder of Isle Rose, Canada
Join the Online Course
12-months UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THE ONline PLATFORM and community
Frequently asked questions
For who this course was created for : Anyone feeling called to explore or deepen their tea practice. The content of the course is created for anyone with or without a tea practice. If this practice is new to you, this course will be an occasion to be initiated and nourished. If you already have a practice, this course will be an occasion to deepen your exploration and connection to tea, with the support of community.
What material is needed to take the course : All you need is tea leaves, hot water and any tea vessels of your preference. We explore tea every chapters. Although it is not necessary, you have the opportunity to purchase a tea package, containing 8 tea samples to explore during your journey with the course. There is no need to purchase any other material at this point. During the course, you will be guided through the exploration of different vessels and tools used for the purpose of different tea rituals. We recommend that you take your time to select the pieces for your tea practice.
How to get access to the course : Once you register and create your account, you automatically get access to the platform.
How to sign up : You can sign up here on the main page.
Until when can we sign up : You can sign up at any time.
Is there tea or a tea bowl included with the course : We do have a tea course package offered as an option for an extra cost, including 8 tea samples. You can find the tea course package here.
How long do we have access to the online course : You will get full access to the platform for 12-months, once you sign up, so you can follow the journey at your own pace.
How to connect to ask questions : We can explore questions together during our Monthly Community Tea (shared via zoom). You can also email Jade : jade@waotea.com
Can the chapters be purchased separately : The 9 chapters included in the course are only available as a full offering.
What is the difference between the course that you were offering in the past and this new platform : This new platform is essentially allowing you to follow the course at your own pace. All of the content is pre-recorded and available at any time from the platform. There is also more content in this new way of sharing the course.
Do we get the occasion to connect live : Yes. There are Community Tea sessions shared every month, via zoom.
ABOUT CHRISTINA-JADE BRUNEL
Jade is a tea resource, facilitator of tea experiences, writer, and the founder of WAOTEA , an online tea store and community, sharing and offering consciously sourced tea, tea ware and accessories, and proposing a variety of experiences dedicated to tea culture, meditation, mindfulness, and healing arts.
Through this course, Jade is dedicated to sharing the teaching received in China, Japan, Malaysia and Canada, for the past 13 years.
Jade is also the author of the book “Tea, Remembering the Essence of Life”.
Pictures Credits : Julia Corbett & Laura Wencker
CHA DAO
12-months UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THE ONline PLATFORM
and community
-
Nature dwells within you, as you, to sustain the inherent dance of life. When the drops are falling from the heaven sky to reunite in your bowl with the leaves gifted by the ancient way, the dust of untruthfulness is vanishing.
