Long Reads
From Monastic Stimulant to Spiritual Art: How Zen Buddhism Shaped the Japanese Tea Ceremony
The Japanese tea ceremony, Chado, evolved over eight centuries from a monastic aid into a spiritual art form, deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism. It embodies core Japanese values through principles like wabi-cha and Ichi-go Ichi-e, transforming a simple act into a practice of mindfulness and appreciation.
Aisha Abasi·November 9, 2026
