Hello all,
First and foremost I am a tea drinker, then I am a philosophy major. I have been drinking loose leaf tea for 3 years now. My friends and I have always innocently speculated on the spiritual experience of drinking tea. Tea seems to shift perspectives on life's most intriguing aspects. Not merely does the the perspective seem to shift, it seems to correct itself. As one consumes the tea, a heightened sense of awareness of the self is enabled. This revelation of Being is what I want to explore with the help of this great tea community.
I want to explore the existential concept of Being, as put forth by Heidegger, and the relationship (if any) to the experience of tea. I ask if anyone knows of any serious inquiries of the philosophical nature of tea. I have checked out two books from the university library - The Book of Tea (Kakuzo) and The Tea Ceremony (Tanaka). Are there any other books that will come highly recommended?
Additionally, if anyone on this board is a philosophy major, or professional philosopher, and would like to share their insights, I would greatly appreciate that.
As you have probably discovered, Chado/Chanoyu, the Japanense Way of Tea, has deep roots in Japanese Zen Buddhism, and 'wabi-sabi' philosophy...
Here are links to the Urasenke Tea School's official website:
http://www.urasenke.or.jp/texte/chado/chado1.html
http://www.urasenke.or.jp/texte/chado/chado2.html
The best thing, though, is to talk to an actual Chado Tea Master or practitioner, and to witness a Tea Ceremony.
And i'm no philosophy major, but done more than a little reading on my own. Plato, Marcus Aurelius, Hume, and Nietzsche are among my faves. Also a fan of Zen Buddhism- Suzuki's books are great. And Shakespeare, Adam Smith and Edward Gibbon may not be strictly philosophy per se, but all 3 make great tea reading.
Here are links to the Urasenke Tea School's official website:
http://www.urasenke.or.jp/texte/chado/chado1.html
http://www.urasenke.or.jp/texte/chado/chado2.html
The best thing, though, is to talk to an actual Chado Tea Master or practitioner, and to witness a Tea Ceremony.
And i'm no philosophy major, but done more than a little reading on my own. Plato, Marcus Aurelius, Hume, and Nietzsche are among my faves. Also a fan of Zen Buddhism- Suzuki's books are great. And Shakespeare, Adam Smith and Edward Gibbon may not be strictly philosophy per se, but all 3 make great tea reading.
Connect the dots
Go read up on the mental effects of theanine (Google, Wikipedia).
Then think about measured release of dopamine and serotonin (and oxytocin, but I won't tell you why, yet).
Now go read up on brain waves.
You are experiencing a brain wave chemical 'adjustment' through the combined actions of caffeine and theanine, which are not exactly opposites, nor synergistic.
Navel gazing can be said to be a 'side-effect' of the influence of theanine, when complete attention is directed at the art of the tea ceremony or through ritualized enjoyment of tea under relaxing conditions, away from self / self stress.
Then think about measured release of dopamine and serotonin (and oxytocin, but I won't tell you why, yet).
Now go read up on brain waves.
You are experiencing a brain wave chemical 'adjustment' through the combined actions of caffeine and theanine, which are not exactly opposites, nor synergistic.
Navel gazing can be said to be a 'side-effect' of the influence of theanine, when complete attention is directed at the art of the tea ceremony or through ritualized enjoyment of tea under relaxing conditions, away from self / self stress.
Re: Connect the dots
Not quite the response I was expecting, but very interesting none the less. As for the Oxytocin, I looked it up on Wikipedia. Is this what you might be getting at?Intuit wrote:Go read up on the mental effects of theanine (Google, Wikipedia).
Then think about measured release of dopamine and serotonin (and oxytocin, but I won't tell you why, yet).
Now go read up on brain waves.
You are experiencing a brain wave chemical 'adjustment' through the combined actions of caffeine and theanine, which are not exactly opposites, nor synergistic.
Navel gazing can be said to be a 'side-effect' of the influence of theanine, when complete attention is directed at the art of the tea ceremony or through ritualized enjoyment of tea under relaxing conditions, away from self / self stress.
* MDMA (ecstasy) may increase feelings of love, empathy and connection to others by stimulating oxytocin activity via activation of serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, if initial studies in animals apply to humans.[21]
If not, then I'm not sure what you are implying as I am scientifically retarded.
Chingwa,
A professional philosopher is basically a professor or anyone with a Ph.D in Philosopher (independent scholar)
Tea and socialization.
Humans are social animals. Our brains are hardwired for positive effect from social interaction, probably because our ancestors evolved in clan/tribe/group setting, wherein they lived in (probably) cramped quarters, shared resources, and were interdependent on one another.
Positive hardwiring = chemical modulation to promote altrusim, necessary for tribe/clan survival. Especially important in males, where aggression among male hunting members could damage team efforts and among females, for offspring rearing - their own and others, as needed.
Tea drinking has been associated with social customs for many centuries. Theanine's calming action promotes an echo of the effect of oxytocin, reinforcing group social bonds during and after tea drinking.
Theanine also increases release of gamma-aminobuytric acid, an inhibitory neurochemical that directly counters neurochemical stimulants when they are present in excess, as a result of stress hormone and in some cases, diet. GABA has many important actions in regulating the CNS, in the brain and secretory organs, which explains a part of it's role in reducing the risk of pancreatic and gallbladder diseases.
Unlike most amino acids, theanine readily crosses the blood brain barrier, and it's been shown to exert a maturing action (akin to oxytocin's effect in developing infant brain) and repair of lightly damaged nerve cells (resulting from energy metabolism byproducts following overstimulation associated with strong emotions, fear and chronic stress).
Tea can be said to influence our social behavior and may play a beneficial role in allowing large numbers of people to live together amicably, a condition common to the nation producers of tea that are/were also avid consumers of tea.
Positive hardwiring = chemical modulation to promote altrusim, necessary for tribe/clan survival. Especially important in males, where aggression among male hunting members could damage team efforts and among females, for offspring rearing - their own and others, as needed.
Tea drinking has been associated with social customs for many centuries. Theanine's calming action promotes an echo of the effect of oxytocin, reinforcing group social bonds during and after tea drinking.
Theanine also increases release of gamma-aminobuytric acid, an inhibitory neurochemical that directly counters neurochemical stimulants when they are present in excess, as a result of stress hormone and in some cases, diet. GABA has many important actions in regulating the CNS, in the brain and secretory organs, which explains a part of it's role in reducing the risk of pancreatic and gallbladder diseases.
Unlike most amino acids, theanine readily crosses the blood brain barrier, and it's been shown to exert a maturing action (akin to oxytocin's effect in developing infant brain) and repair of lightly damaged nerve cells (resulting from energy metabolism byproducts following overstimulation associated with strong emotions, fear and chronic stress).
Tea can be said to influence our social behavior and may play a beneficial role in allowing large numbers of people to live together amicably, a condition common to the nation producers of tea that are/were also avid consumers of tea.
Not philosophy exactly, but my brother told me about a study in which subjects were given either a hot or cold beverage and then a choice of either giving an item to a friend or keeping an item for themselves. People with the hot beverage were more likely to give the object away; people with the cold beverage were more likely to keep the item for themselves.
Hot tea for world peace?
The citation is Science(2008) vol322:606-607, in case anyone wants it.
Hot tea for world peace?
The citation is Science(2008) vol322:606-607, in case anyone wants it.
Feb 23rd, '09, 13:06
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Re: Tea and socialization.
Humans are social because thats how we grow up. leave an animal to grow _alone_ (even without other species) and it will not be so social when placed in a group.Intuit wrote:Humans are social animals. Our brains are hardwired for positive effect from social interaction
Unless (s)he/it receives positive feedback from being close to the group, (s)he/it will not try many times to integrate into something that causes negative responses and/or hurt(psycho/physical). (talking about a "fresh" mind not already conditioned as in gangs, children of war)
Positive responses/reward AND negative response to a behavior help shape behavior.
i dont know the proportion of population in china, india, pakistan, afghanistan, russia who are involved in social unrest, but i'm not sure i'd attribute tea, theanine & oxytocin to enabling people to live together. i'm pretty sure "bad" people in tea drinking countries also drink tea, and they still continue to cause damage to their neighbors down the street.Intuit wrote:Tea can be said to influence our social behavior and may play a beneficial role in allowing large numbers of people to live together amicably, a condition common to the nation producers of tea that are/were also avid consumers of tea.
i think that in humans most behavior is learned behavior.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_animal
Social behaviors are innate, evolutionarily evolved and genetically pre-programmed, although the responses and hormonal cueing are undoubtedly *reinforced* by observation and trial-and-effect learning as infants. That's why the human brain increases rapidly in mass some 80% from birth weight through childhood years (ages 6-8), thereafter undergoing structure-functional reoganization (mirroring) that allows additional mental and social development to occur through early adulthood (approximately ages 26-30, when altruist behavior is required for successful offspring rearing).
Social behaviors are innate, evolutionarily evolved and genetically pre-programmed, although the responses and hormonal cueing are undoubtedly *reinforced* by observation and trial-and-effect learning as infants. That's why the human brain increases rapidly in mass some 80% from birth weight through childhood years (ages 6-8), thereafter undergoing structure-functional reoganization (mirroring) that allows additional mental and social development to occur through early adulthood (approximately ages 26-30, when altruist behavior is required for successful offspring rearing).
Feb 23rd, '09, 14:29
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When I was thirteen years old, I read The Importance of Living by Lin Yutang. I'm fairly certain it was the first tea-related philosophy I ever read; one chapter is devoted to tea (i.e. "On Tea and Friendship"), and the subject is mentioned frequently elsewhere in the book. Certainly it made a great impression on me! You can read an overview of the book here.
Dr Lin speaks at length about the essential sociability of tea - which I think is key to its importance in so many countries. Tea can be enjoyed in solitude, but it's the sheer conviviality involved in preparing a pot (or other vessel) of tea and sharing it with others that makes this beverage so close to people's hearts across many cultures.
Tea can also be a panacea. There's a line from a novel of P.D. James that I always loved: "[He] followed him in and offered to make a cup of tea, the British specific against disaster, grief and shock." So it's also a drink that's used to comfort others who are sad or anxious.
P.S. Looking at Lin again, my attention was caught by his description of Chou Wenfu, "who loved his [tea]pot so much that he had it buried with him when he died". It brought one or two TeaChatters to mind...
Dr Lin speaks at length about the essential sociability of tea - which I think is key to its importance in so many countries. Tea can be enjoyed in solitude, but it's the sheer conviviality involved in preparing a pot (or other vessel) of tea and sharing it with others that makes this beverage so close to people's hearts across many cultures.
Tea can also be a panacea. There's a line from a novel of P.D. James that I always loved: "[He] followed him in and offered to make a cup of tea, the British specific against disaster, grief and shock." So it's also a drink that's used to comfort others who are sad or anxious.
P.S. Looking at Lin again, my attention was caught by his description of Chou Wenfu, "who loved his [tea]pot so much that he had it buried with him when he died". It brought one or two TeaChatters to mind...
Feb 23rd, '09, 16:14
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Man and the universe in general are probably not just machines Intuit, although most share your Science based delusion and live with the consequences of that daily. Religious thought can be so limiting and narrow!
I'm assuming you are talking about Heidegger before the turn, right Anthony?
I would probably start looking into Asian philosophy Anthony, they have been benefiting from the influence of tea a lot longer than modern Germans or western philosophy in general (who are still all stuck trying to define the gap between knowing and being as they refuse to give up knowing)... ;P
I'm assuming you are talking about Heidegger before the turn, right Anthony?
I would probably start looking into Asian philosophy Anthony, they have been benefiting from the influence of tea a lot longer than modern Germans or western philosophy in general (who are still all stuck trying to define the gap between knowing and being as they refuse to give up knowing)... ;P
Do something different, something different will happen. ( Gong Fu Garden )
*squint*
"First and foremost I am a tea drinker, then I am a philosophy major. I have been drinking loose leaf tea for 3 years now. My friends and I have always innocently speculated on the spiritual experience of drinking tea. Tea seems to shift perspectives on life's most intriguing aspects. Not merely does the the perspective seem to shift, it seems to correct itself. As one consumes the tea, a heightened sense of awareness of the self is enabled. "
The description above corresponds to reported chemical effects of theanine.
http://www.l-theanine.com/intro.htm
"Recently, much attention has been focused on L-Theanine, a unique amino acid commonly found in green tea. It has been determined that L-Theanine is a derivative of Glutamic Acid which is one of the neurotransmitters found in the brain.
Absorbed in the intestinal brush-border membrane, L-Theanine, due to its fat solubility, is incorporated into the brain via the leucine-preferring transport system of the blood brain barrier. Once absorbed into the brain, L-Theanine exhibits many positive, physiological effects.
In an experiment conducted by Hihehiko Yokogoshi, PhD and Takehiko Terashima, PhD at the Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry in Shizuoka, Japan, it was determined that dopamine concentrations in the brain, especially in the striatum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus increased significantly after the administration of L-Theanine. Dopamine, one of the brain’s neurotransmitters, is said to affect human emotion. L-Theanine also increases GABA levels in the brain which leads to a *feeling of well-being*.
The brain transmits four different categories of brain waves which are determined by frequency: Gamma (g), Theta (q), Alpha (a), and Beta (b). Gamma waves are present during sound sleep and Theta waves indicate dozing or sleeping. While Beta waves are present during an awake, excited state, Alpha waves signify an awake, relaxed state.
>>>>Because L-Theanine promotes Alpha wave generation in the brain, an awake, alert and relaxed physical and mental condition is achieved which demonstrates Theanine’s effectiveness in stress management."
When reading the thread petitioners post, I recognized the tea-drinking effect described and provided an explanation.
Juneja L, et al. 1999. L-Theanine – a unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 10: 199-204.
Yokogoshi H, et al. 1998. Effect of Theanine, r-Glutamylethylamide, on Brain Monoamines and Striatal Dopamin Release in Conscious Rats. Neurochemical Research. 23: 667-673.
Graham, Harnold N. 1992. Green Tea Composition, Consumption, and Polyphenol Chemistry. Preventative Medicine. 21: 334-350.
# Sagesaka Y, et al. Pharmacological Effect of Theanine. Ito-en Central Research Institute. 362-365.
# Kobayashi K, et al. 1998. Effects of L-Theanine on the Release of (-Brain Waves in Human Volunteers. Nippon Noegikagaku Kaishi. 72: 153-151.
From the Wikipedia page on Heidegger:
Heidegger and Eastern thought
Some writers on Heidegger's work see possibilities within it for dialogue with traditions of thought outside of Western philosophy, particularly East Asian thinking. Despite perceived differences between Eastern and Western philosophy, some of Heidegger's later work, particularly "A Dialogue on Language between a Japanese and an Inquirer," does show an interest in initiating such a dialogue.[25] Heidegger himself had contact with a number of leading Japanese intellectuals, including members of the Kyoto School, notably Hajime Tanabe, Kuki Shūzō and Kyoshi Miki.
Furthermore, it has also been claimed that a number of elements within Heidegger's thought bear a close parallel to Eastern philosophical ideas, particularly with Zen Buddhism and Taoism. An account given by Paul Hsao (in Heidegger and Asian Thought) records a remark by Chang Chung-Yuan claiming that "Heidegger is the only Western Philosopher who not only intellectually understands but has intuitively grasped Taoist thought."
According to Tomonubu Imamichi, the concept of Dasein was inspired — although Heidegger remains silent on this — by Okakura Kakuzo's concept of das-in-der-Welt-sein (being in the world) expressed in The Book of Tea to describe Zhuangzi's philosophy, which Imamichi's teacher had offered to Heidegger in 1919, after having studied with him the year before.[26]
This is the philosophical connection to Taoist thought you are seeking; I merely provide a logical segue to the reported physiological effects, with a nod to social bonding hormones that are reinforced through theanine-induced dopamine and serotonin release.
I'm sure the Japanese biological research community wouldn't take too kindly to the assertion that they are practicing 'science-based delusion'.
I certainly didn't imply that you were 'scientifically retarded', Anthony.
The description above corresponds to reported chemical effects of theanine.
http://www.l-theanine.com/intro.htm
"Recently, much attention has been focused on L-Theanine, a unique amino acid commonly found in green tea. It has been determined that L-Theanine is a derivative of Glutamic Acid which is one of the neurotransmitters found in the brain.
Absorbed in the intestinal brush-border membrane, L-Theanine, due to its fat solubility, is incorporated into the brain via the leucine-preferring transport system of the blood brain barrier. Once absorbed into the brain, L-Theanine exhibits many positive, physiological effects.
In an experiment conducted by Hihehiko Yokogoshi, PhD and Takehiko Terashima, PhD at the Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry in Shizuoka, Japan, it was determined that dopamine concentrations in the brain, especially in the striatum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus increased significantly after the administration of L-Theanine. Dopamine, one of the brain’s neurotransmitters, is said to affect human emotion. L-Theanine also increases GABA levels in the brain which leads to a *feeling of well-being*.
The brain transmits four different categories of brain waves which are determined by frequency: Gamma (g), Theta (q), Alpha (a), and Beta (b). Gamma waves are present during sound sleep and Theta waves indicate dozing or sleeping. While Beta waves are present during an awake, excited state, Alpha waves signify an awake, relaxed state.
>>>>Because L-Theanine promotes Alpha wave generation in the brain, an awake, alert and relaxed physical and mental condition is achieved which demonstrates Theanine’s effectiveness in stress management."
When reading the thread petitioners post, I recognized the tea-drinking effect described and provided an explanation.
Juneja L, et al. 1999. L-Theanine – a unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 10: 199-204.
Yokogoshi H, et al. 1998. Effect of Theanine, r-Glutamylethylamide, on Brain Monoamines and Striatal Dopamin Release in Conscious Rats. Neurochemical Research. 23: 667-673.
Graham, Harnold N. 1992. Green Tea Composition, Consumption, and Polyphenol Chemistry. Preventative Medicine. 21: 334-350.
# Sagesaka Y, et al. Pharmacological Effect of Theanine. Ito-en Central Research Institute. 362-365.
# Kobayashi K, et al. 1998. Effects of L-Theanine on the Release of (-Brain Waves in Human Volunteers. Nippon Noegikagaku Kaishi. 72: 153-151.
From the Wikipedia page on Heidegger:
Heidegger and Eastern thought
Some writers on Heidegger's work see possibilities within it for dialogue with traditions of thought outside of Western philosophy, particularly East Asian thinking. Despite perceived differences between Eastern and Western philosophy, some of Heidegger's later work, particularly "A Dialogue on Language between a Japanese and an Inquirer," does show an interest in initiating such a dialogue.[25] Heidegger himself had contact with a number of leading Japanese intellectuals, including members of the Kyoto School, notably Hajime Tanabe, Kuki Shūzō and Kyoshi Miki.
Furthermore, it has also been claimed that a number of elements within Heidegger's thought bear a close parallel to Eastern philosophical ideas, particularly with Zen Buddhism and Taoism. An account given by Paul Hsao (in Heidegger and Asian Thought) records a remark by Chang Chung-Yuan claiming that "Heidegger is the only Western Philosopher who not only intellectually understands but has intuitively grasped Taoist thought."
According to Tomonubu Imamichi, the concept of Dasein was inspired — although Heidegger remains silent on this — by Okakura Kakuzo's concept of das-in-der-Welt-sein (being in the world) expressed in The Book of Tea to describe Zhuangzi's philosophy, which Imamichi's teacher had offered to Heidegger in 1919, after having studied with him the year before.[26]
This is the philosophical connection to Taoist thought you are seeking; I merely provide a logical segue to the reported physiological effects, with a nod to social bonding hormones that are reinforced through theanine-induced dopamine and serotonin release.
I'm sure the Japanese biological research community wouldn't take too kindly to the assertion that they are practicing 'science-based delusion'.
I certainly didn't imply that you were 'scientifically retarded', Anthony.
Feb 23rd, '09, 19:05
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I'd second the notion that the philosophy of tea is probably better looked at through an eastern as opposed to western lens.
The idea of non-being seems more at home with drinking tea than revelations of being. I'd venture that daoism may be a good point of inquiry, if you can call it that, as it blossomed out of China along with tea. The influence of buddhism, and by extension hinduism, may also be worth considering as there is a lot of common ground between the three.
I'm more interested in insights into the way of things which were in part powered by tea as opposed to using tea as a metaphorical tool for explaining those insights, although I'm not one to pass on a snappy phrase now and again.
Watch what happens when the ever charming Alan Watts drinks matcha:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RcjATFc ... re=related
I think he sums up what little I know of western philosophy by saying it's trying to put things straight in a wiggly world. Or as David Byrne reminded me on my iPod today 'Stop making sense'.
The idea of non-being seems more at home with drinking tea than revelations of being. I'd venture that daoism may be a good point of inquiry, if you can call it that, as it blossomed out of China along with tea. The influence of buddhism, and by extension hinduism, may also be worth considering as there is a lot of common ground between the three.
I'm more interested in insights into the way of things which were in part powered by tea as opposed to using tea as a metaphorical tool for explaining those insights, although I'm not one to pass on a snappy phrase now and again.
Watch what happens when the ever charming Alan Watts drinks matcha:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RcjATFc ... re=related
I think he sums up what little I know of western philosophy by saying it's trying to put things straight in a wiggly world. Or as David Byrne reminded me on my iPod today 'Stop making sense'.
Feb 23rd, '09, 19:27
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Re: *squint*
I was actually talking about all science in general, and no, the scientific view, like other monotheistic religions, does not take kindly at all to others disputing it's root god/validity. Duh. So what, just because someone claims to be correct and factual doesn't mean they are or that correct and factual is even important in the larger scheme of things. I don't care if they would be upset, it's immaterial to my point of view.Intuit wrote: I'm sure the Japanese biological research community wouldn't take too kindly to the assertion that they are practicing 'science-based delusion'.
Which is first, the social bonding or the serotonin release? This is more important a discussion than the facts you mention. I get endorphins by running, not the other way around... and I've had at least as many experiences over tea where I grew to dislike someone as the other way around. L-Theanine is _precursor_, ie it is the soup from which other things emerge, what is it that emerges and more importantly why does that particular thing emerge? Meditation can reliably produce different measurable mental states without any outside chemical influence, right? Do you see what I'm getting at?
I like having conversations, if you want to hide behind internet copy/paste pseudo fact I'm not really interested in deciphering what you are trying to say. Assume if someone is posting on a thread regarding philosophy on the internet that they can probably google as least well as you...
Feb 23rd, '09, 19:56
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can anyone tie the I-Ching with tea, or is there another facet of chinese (or japanese) philosophy that should/can be used?