The Heart of Tea and the Essence of Zen Are One

The tea ceremony is in many ways synonymous with Zen, from which the ceremony was born nearly 900 years ago. "Tea ceremony" is not the best translation of chado, which literally means "tea way" ("cha" means "tea"; "do" means "way").

The heart of tea and the essence of Zen are one.
Who know the path to enlightenment could start with a cup of tea?
Learn the hidden significance behind the deceptively simple Zen tea ceremony - one which can lead directly to Buddhahood and its absolute truth.

Mindfulness is essential to Zen practice. Along with zazen, a great many arts and ceremonial practices of Zen require complete attention.
A wandering mind leads to mistakes in form.

So it was with brewing and drinking tea. Over time, Zen monks incorporated tea into Zen practice, paying attention to every detail of its creation and consumption.