Matcha: A Spiritual Legacy and Holistic Treasure

Among the various types of green tea, matcha is distinguished by its exceptional quality, nutritional benefits, and profound connection to human spiritual development.

The journey from Kyoto, Japan, to Zhejiang, China, spans approximately 1500 kilometers—the same distance from Prague to Istanbul. This is the path that Zen monk Eisai traveled on foot and by boat 800 years ago. As a devoted spiritual practitioner, Eisai ventured to China to bring back invaluable treasures for Japan: Zen spiritual practice, the Chinese philosophy of "Food is medicine," and tea. These elements ultimately laid the groundwork for the emergence of matcha in Japan. In today's world, these three foundations—Zen, philosophy, and tea—translate into the essential building blocks of human life: soul, mind, and body. Without Zen, Eisai might never have set out on this profound spiritual journey. Without Eisai's dedication to bringing Chinese philosophy to Japan, the tradition of matcha drinking for holistic well-being, particularly among the elite, might never have taken root.

Why does the spiritual aspect, or soul, come first in holistic well-being?

When Eisai visited China, it was during the Song Dynasty, which succeeded the Tang Dynasty. During the Tang era, a monk named Xuanzang embarked on an epic 16,000-kilometer journey on foot and horseback from China to India to retrieve scriptures containing Buddha's teachings. Despite immense hardships, Xuanzang made significant contributions by bringing back wisdom that enriched his homeland and humanity, fostering the development of mind and spirit. His journey laid the groundwork for the eventual rise of Zen and matcha cultivation in Japan.

It is this spiritual heritage that gives matcha its unique value, transcending its material qualities. In Eisai's time, the Japanese elite aspired to live with a higher purpose—a concept we now recognize as holistic well-being: a harmonious integration of spiritual, mental, and physical health.

Savoring specialty matcha is a moment to clarity; it serves as a reminder of its rich historical significance and inspires us to reflect on the people we aspire to become.