This week, I found myself reflecting on two moments that happened thousands of miles apart but carried the same quiet message about intention, connection, and peace. It began as I stood in the middle of a crowd in Great Falls, South Carolina, watching Buddhist monks walk through town on a journey for peace that stretches from Texas to Washington, D.C. In that moment, I passed along a scarf I had carried since my trek to Everest Base Camp years ago—a small gesture that connected past and present in a way I didn’t fully understand until later.
In this episode, I take you with me to Jingshan Mountain near Hangzhou, China, where I was invited into the centuries-old tradition of the Jingshan Tea Banquet and the art of Dian Cha, a ceremonial method of whisking tea rooted in Zen philosophy and presence. I sit down with tea master Zhang Hongyan, who returned to her hometown to preserve this cultural tradition while creating opportunities for women in her community. Together we talk about tea, heritage, family pride, and how one cup shared between strangers can turn into something much more meaningful.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] – I witness Buddhist monks walking through Great Falls, South Carolina on a cross-country walk for peace—and share a personal moment that connects my Everest journey to theirs.
[02:28] – I introduce the ancient Jingshan Tea Banquet tradition and the art of Dian Cha, a ceremonial tea practice rooted in China’s Tang and Song dynasties.
[05:52] – Tea master Zhang Hongyan shares why she returned to her hometown to open a tea-focused homestay and preserve traditional tea culture.
[07:40] – We talk about how serving tea becomes a bridge between strangers and why connection—not just tea—is at the heart of the ceremony.
[08:30] – Zhang explains how teaching tea culture has created career opportunities for women in her rural community.
[13:10] – A powerful moment: Zhang shares how seeing her parents’ pride in her work reminded her why this path matters.
[15:19] – I reflect on a simple but profound lesson her mother shared: sometimes the answer isn’t advice—it’s slowing down with a cup of tea.
Links and Resources
This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com.
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