OUR STORY
This is Jing Si Tea
Jing Si Tea Garden, located in the township of Sanyi in central Taiwan, is a property under the management of the Jing Si Abode where Dharma Master Cheng Yen, founder of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, and her nuns reside in eastern Taiwan.
Encircled by forests and far from the pollution of big cities, the Jing Si Tea Garden preserves its natural ecology. The tea is cultivated without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, allowing a menagerie of insects and natural pollinators to flit gently among the plants, leaving their trace as they sample the tender tea buds.
Dedication of a Mindful Farmer
Chen Zhonghou was a dedicated Tzu Chi volunteer, serving as the captain for Nantou County's Puli District. When the devastating 921 earthquake struck, it shattered his life, destroying both of his homes in Taichung and Puli. With three children still in college, the immense financial pressure and emotional weight left him nearly breathless. Overwhelmed, he made a difficult decision: he would temporarily step away from his volunteer work to focus entirely on rebuilding his finances.
Everything changed on September 26, 1999, when Master Cheng Yen arrived in Puli to inspect the disaster zone. At lunchtime, the Master invited Chen to the lounge. After asking the staff to leave, keeping only two monastic practitioners by her side, the Master pulled a large bowl covered in plastic wrap from her backpack—it was a simple bowl of "Shigong Rice."
Sitting across from Chen, the Master said softly, "Let's eat."
Not another word was spoken throughout the entire meal. Yet, that silent companionship spoke volumes. It was not just encouragement; it was profound empathy and care. In the span of that single, quiet meal, the Master’s presence dissolved Chen’s bitterness and transformed his despair into deep, moving inspiration.
More than twenty-five years have passed since that day. No matter how exhausting his tea-farming work gets, Chen still limits himself to exactly one bowl of rice per meal. This daily ritual serves as his permanent reminder to never forget the profound grace and moving lesson of that silent lunch.
Master's Wisdom of "One Heart, Two Leaves"
"One leaf is compassion, and the other is wisdom. The single heart reminds us to pour our entire being into everything we do." This is how Master Cheng Yen explains the profound philosophy behind the phrase "one heart, two leaves." As you carefully harvest the tea leaf by leaf, placing them into the bag at your waist, remember to work with absolute presence. Let everyone approach the tea harvest with the utmost mindfulness and care.