Private Tea Sittings

Tea Ceremony / Sittings

  All sittings are by APPOINTMENT ONLY.

To make an appointment simply click on the "CONTACT" page button at the main menu of this website, fill out the information requested and hit "send".  

 MJ Greenmountain

MJ has been studying and engaging in Zen & Tea as a Spiritual Practice for 24 years. His sittings offer a rare glimpse into the world of "tea scholars" and traditional practitioners, where attention to important details are adhered to, and a sense of depth and authenticity pervade the space. His sharings are heart-centered and accentuated with poems, tea history and Zen stories. They are inspired and often profound experiences. He serves tea with deep intention, yet meets guests where there are at, whether seasoned practitioner or absolute newbie, and helps people to feel relaxed and comfortable. MJ makes his Tea accessible to everyone.

MJ studied with an Elder Master (in the SF Bay Area) for 7 years (2001-2007), and has traveled annually to the Far East since 2010, continuing his study with Masters in Taiwan and Hong Kong. His harmonizing of Tea with Meditation has two pillars: a singular Tea focus on Puerh, and a spiritual practice founded on teachings of Bodhidharma, the legendary founder of “Ch’an” Buddhism in China in the 5th Century, which gave birth to the ancient continuing saga known as "Zen.”

ABOUT THE SERVICE

All tea service is conducted in a stand-alone private tea house on the Jade Valley property. Outdoor Service is also possible, on the Jade Valley property, in Nature, for added fee. Service includes use of incense, music, hand-drawn mountain spring water, and rare tea from MJ’s specific collection, originating from Taiwan, Japan, and China. The teas are camellia sinensis (Puerh, black tea, green tea, Wulong Tea, White Tea, Etc.) and no other herbal tea is used (i.e camomille, rose hip, mint, etc) which are technically not “tea” but herbal infusions ( “tesannes” - ‘tay-zahns’ ). The word ‘Tea’ is problematically used these days as a catch-all phrase for any hot herbal beverage, which can confuse people - and certainly does.

In all cases, these are uninterrupted experiences that are digital-free, with no unannounced drop in’s or phone calls. Guests can enjoy the resonance of the space with ease and comfort, without distractions, amidst the very private, pristine beauty and quietude of the Jade Valley location (one hour from Sacramento, 1.2 hours from Sac airport -SMF- and 2.5 hours from SF Bay Area). Located in Nevada City, just 5 minutes from Briar Patch Food Co-op, 8 minutes from downtown Nevada City.

All Water used is personally hand-drawn Mountain Spring Water from local Sierra Nevada sources; this may also include Mt. Shasta water drawn from the Spring at the Sacramento River headwaters, when available.

Teas served are taken from MJ’s own Private Tea Collection, built over 20 years of sourcing, travel, and personal connections.  Many of these Teas are the rarest of rare, and extremely limited amounts. In some cases tea can be purchased at the end of sessions, according to availability.

For higher level sittings, vegetarian Japanese Cuisine will be prepared and served by Hiroko, MJ’s wife, who is a Professional Chef, trained and certified in Japan, and a practitioner of “SHOJIN RIORI” (Japanese Zen Monk Food Preparation).

Quality of Tea, wares, incense and even scroll hanging choices advance with each next level. In the highest levels, museum quality wares will be used.

6 Guest maximum unless otherwise stated or arranged.

 TEA offerings

I  Entry Level sitting 
2 person minimum • $45ea (or one person=$75)
one hour 

II   Initiate 
2 person minimum • $65ea (or one person =$95)
1.5 hours  

III  Tea Lover 
2 > 4 Guests • $85ea (or one person = $150)
2 hours 

Iv  PRACTITIONER
2 > 4 guests• $150ea (or one person = $250)  
2.5 hours+ SIMPLE japanese meal SERVED

v   TEA & ZEN mini RETREAT
2 > 4 guests • $180 ea (two person absolute minimum)
4 hrs • MULTI course japanese meal served                                                                 VI  Old Tea Monk
One person • free / No charge
No time limit subject to qualification

**PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT CATERING TO YOUR LOCATION/EVENT.  This is a very unique offering that can add an outstanding element to your event or celebration. A whole Tea “Zone” can be created for special events. However, this is not like a festival booth. It is more akin to a sacred space, for engaging in this world-class level, ancient, beautiful, profound ritual experience.