The truth is...

That the ultimate truth cannot be named, explained, or pictured! The ultimate truth can, however, be experienced in deep meditation and contemplation. And also, for example, when you practice yoga, in a deep groundedness in your body, connected to your foundation and your breath.

The lotus flower is a symbol of awakening. And the expression "No mud - no lotus" is an often-used illustration that without difficulties (mud) there is no drive to seek alternative ways in life.

This is "roughly" how the famous Dao De Jing starts: The Dao that can be named is not the ultimate Dao. As soon as we try to put names on the ultimate truth, the power, qi, life force that animates the whole universe and everything that lives on this planet, and all other planets, we fail because we are already using relative truth to describe something that is beyond this realm.

The Sanctuary of Truth is the largest wooden building in Thailand,

In the old days in India, the Rishis or seers were people who dedicated their lives to exploring the ultimate reality—the truth—and to teaching non-yogis and everyone who wanted to hear about the truth, how to follow the path to truth, and, at best, experience it for themselves.

Why is this important in our "today"? Do we really need this "old knowledge"? Does it have any relevance for us? For me, as a yogi, I would definitely say - yes, absolutely! I believe we need to awaken and live more by this old wisdom than ever, and use it together with modern science and knowledge to solve and move beyond the multi-levelled challenges we face. People today are getting sick, feeling depressed, and lost. Many people have trouble finding meaning and purpose.

Buddha figurine with nature background.

In our modern, urban society, we tend live far from the rhythms of nature, we are focused on outer appearance, and live in our heads. We are super busy and spend our days in front of computers and smartphones. This draws our minds away from our bodies. Our minds can - as you know - travel through time and space in an instant. While our bodies and our breath always stay in the present. This can create a lot of tension and ungroundedness, which can lead to dis-ease.

Often, we do not wake up to the urge to seek more meaning or question our lifestyle before we have "suffered" a great deal in our lives. Maybe we meet suffering early in life or our adult life is not at all what we dreamed of and we experience illness, unexpected loss of loved ones, trauma, etc, etc.

Buddhist monks and nuns use various meditation styles and mindfulness practices to help calm and concentrate the mind and change the often negative, habitual ways of thinking that we as human beings carry.

It can be a long and painful process to find our bearings, but moving through "the dark night of the soul" is always worthwhile. And there is actually no other way. We will see that when we finally come out on the other side, we have evolved, just like the butterfly. Without resistance, no development. And we should not feel "guilty" about feeling lost or depressed. Everyone feels this way at times! What differs is how we deal with our "dark side" and the means we use to do our inner work and transform ourselves! To continuously evolve and to life creative lives is what we are here on this planet to do!

One wonderful practice that is deeply intertwined with tea is Zen. It has its origin in Indian Buddhism, and was developed further in China and then in Japan in the 12th century. In Japan, it became known as Zen. Here is an interesting post by the Zen priest Fujita Issho. Issho recommends getting out of our left-brain into a more heart and right-brain-centered way of being in order to experience and value life differently.

Coming back to the truth, the relative one, once you come to realize the exceptional value of great teas, grown, harvested, and prepared with lots of knowledge and care, you understand that many people who have not grown up in Asia or with Asian culture do not really understand the value of fine teas. They miss out on all the wonderful flavors and practices that surround good tea. Also, the effect a fine tea has on your body and mind is uplifting. However, unfortunately, in at least the Nordic countries, tea is not appreciated for its true qualities. Most teas offered are "dead" even before they reach the shops where they are sold or the cafés where they are served.

So next time you are looking for tea, make sure you buy from someone who offers real quality from plant to cup! You are always welcome to reach out to me to fill up your tea supply! :-)