Expert: Joe McSorley - 1/19/2009

Question
What is your stance on how drinking tea affects the chance
at the awakening experience you seek in meditation?  Does
it help it happen, or does it stop it from coming?

Answer
Dear Jason,
  I don't see how tea has any effect on seeking awakening other than if you drink an extreme amount of it and the caffeine effects you. I don't know if there is something in your question I am missing but I have never heard anyone reference tea to Zen practice other than the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu).  People awaken from all parts of the world, all traditions, all diets.  Awakening is mind and body fallen off.
 Take care,
     Joe