By Jonathan Aryeh Wayne

IV – Xiang Wei Tuo Cha, “Blood of the Ancients”, Shou Nest, Chinese Pu-er.

Description: This large nest variety shares the shape of pu-erla, but it is much larger. It is one of our darker, ruddier pu-ers. The strong, earthy, slightly astringent flavor is reminiscent of underground caverns where treasures are kept secret. – Taken from the menu at Dobra tea house (www.dobrateapgh.com)

Original Thoughts: Chris over at Dobra told me this is his favorite tea. He said it goes on and on and on and on and on. Sounds like heaven to me. On this second occasion of drinking “Blood of the Ancients”, I only had time for a few infusions, because I had to meet a friend for dinner, but I recall the first time I experienced this, I got a ton of infusions out of this. Fast forward into the future to February 25, 2016, I ended up having about 35 infusions of this stuff! I had about 96 ounces of tea on this evening and even around the 28th or 29th infusion, it was still going strong. This Pu-erh tea is no joke, its got the stamina of a 16 year old. There is also a very cerebral, logical process of pouring this tea, as its served on a bamboo tea tray reservoir box. First you take pitcher of hot water and pour it into the gaiwan of loose tea. Then you take the filter off the spring and place it over the small tea pot and carefully pour into that vessel. Finally, you take the filter off, place it back on the spring and pour the tea into the cup. If you are looking to impress a friend or show off your tea skills, this is the tea to get!

Original Poetry: Everlasting, you come to me from the cosmos, never-ending, never bending. Elderly and wise, you teach me from the depths of your nebulous book. I am eternal in your vortex of darkness.

By Jonathan Aryeh Wayne

Sipped by Jonathan Wayne on January 8, 2016.

Welcome to Dobrá Tea Pittsburgh!

Nathaniel Pantalone (owner)

At Dobrá Tea, we provide a clean, comfortable, meditative environment to enjoy tea, along with great knowledge of this modest plant. Our tea is served in traditional vessels from the country of origin or in handmade pottery of traditional style when possible. It is our goal to serve teas in traditional ways, without sugar or milk in many cases, and to only sell teas that meet or exceed strict EU standards for pesticide residues.

The multicultural atmosphere of our Bohemian-style tearoom is sure to have something for everyone. We aspire to create a space somewhere between a bar and a church: a place for relaxation and community. It is our hope that every one of our guests experiences the relaxation and community that we feel serving tea every day.

We believe that tea drinking is part of a healthy lifestyle. Imbibed by monks as a meditative beverage, tea imparts serenity and clarity to the drinker. It is conducive to self-reflection, critical thinking, and creativity. Thus, we believe that drinking tea is itself a life experience.

Please join us for a relaxing cup of tea. Our humble devotees are happy to be of service!

Welcome to our tearoom!

Our Collections

Click here for our pottery collection

Oolong Tea

The processing of Oolong Teas, or Qing Cha, can vary widely. This category bridges the gap between white and black teas and oxidation can range from 15% to 70%. Fresh leaves may be roasted over an open fire, tumble dried to bring out floral qualities, or baked in bamboo baskets. This, combined with the varied oxidation levels, gives each tea a unique character often comprised of some of the following elements: floral, fruity, vegetal, roasty, caramel. We carry two main types of Oolong teas, rolled and strip-style. Rolled oolongs unfurl slowly over several steepings, causing the flavor to evolve as the water reaches different parts of the leaf. Strip-style leaves begin more boldly and mellow consistently over each steeping.

Pu’er Tea

Pu’er Teas, called Hei Cha or Black Tea by the Chinese have undergone a complete oxidation and ripening through a centuries-old and secret process that varies by family and tradition. Broadly, pu’er teas fit into one of two categories, Sheng [shuhng] (raw) or Shou [shoe] (ripened).

Sheng pu’ers are aged naturally by starting with fully processed tea leaves which are then steamed, shaped into a disk, nest, or brick, and aged for 5 to 40 or more years. Sheng pu’ers tend to be lighter in color and pungent in flavor, characterizations which mellow and darken over time as the tea ages. When drunk, Sheng pu’ers present a mellow flavor to start that crescendos on the palate. Shou pu’ers undergo an accelerated aging process. The standard tea making process is interrupted and the leaves are misted and placed in a damp heap for 40 or more days to ferment. This produces a flavor that starts bold and lightens quickly in mouth.

Tisanes & Herbal Tea

In addition to teas, we present herbs and tisanes. For those looking to wind down after the day or avoiding caffeine herbal blends serve as caffeine free alternatives. We offer a curated selection of herbal remedies and also sell herbs in bulk for you to blend and steep your own. All of the offerings presented here for sale are USDA certified organic, and all herbs and herbal blends made in house are Kosher.

Please note: Yerba Mate and Guayusa are not caffeine free.

Eastern Winds

Herbal Floral Blend

A succulent blend of jasmine, rose petals, violet leaf, rosehips, hibiscus, cinnamon, ginger, orange peel, star anise, and cloves. This tart combination of herbs and spices makes a beautiful red infusion in the cup.

Tea Room

COME INSIDE THE TEA ROOM!

We invite you to be our humble guest and experience it for yourself.

WORLD TRAVELED TEA EXPERTS

Contact

Dobra Tea House
412.449.9833
1937 Murray Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Science Has Proven That Group Meditation Literally Changes The World

Not a lot is truly understood about quantum physics, but one thing science is at least a little bit sure of is that mass meditation has quantum results on both the meditator and the world.

In 1978, researchers discovered what they call the Maharishi Effect. They discovered it when a group meditation of 7,000 people took place and they all meditated with the intention of having a positive effect on the city. They did this for 3 weeks. The results of that group meditation transformed the city’s crime rates, acts of violence, and death. There was an average reduction in all three by 16%. Impressive!

Since then, more than 50 studies have been conducted on the Maharishi effect with varied results. Most studies indicate the clear power of meditation to transform global life and patterns.

When the study was repeated in Wales, they got amazing results. In 1987 Merseyside had the third highest crime rate of the eleven largest Metropolitan Areas in England and Wales; by 1992 it had the lowest crime rate. 40% below levels predicted by the previous behaviour of the series. There were 255,000 less crimes in Merseyside from 1988 to 1992 than would have been expected had Merseyside continued to follow the national crime trend.”

These results truly are incredible. It’s wonderful to see meditation have such a profound effect. To add to this thought, David Edwards, a Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin says:

“I think the claim can be plausibly made that the potential impact of this research exceeds that of any other ongoing social or psychological research program. It has survived a broader array of statistical tests than most research in the field of conflict resolution. This work and the theory that informs it the most serious consideration by academics and policy makers alike.”

Reference:

https://www.higherperspectives.com/science-has-proven-that-group-meditation-literally-changes-the-world

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Len Estrin January 2021

len.estrin@gmail.com

Writer/retired prison chaplain collaborates with death row inmate on a children’s book for the times.

Almost everyone knows the story of Noah’s Ark, and how Noah saved two of every animal from the Great Flood. In How the Rainbow got its Stripes, Noah protects his pets, as well. To thank Noah for saving their lives, they look for rules to help everyone live in peace after the Flood.

Eventually, they find seven basic laws which form the basis for the seven colors and stripes of the rainbow.

The story was created by writer and retired chaplain Len Estrin, who previously visited several PA correctional facilities for the Aleph Institute, Northeast Region.

“Today’s society is torn by strife,” Estrin said. “My book emphases the values we have in common; rather than the opinions that drive us apart.”

Estrin could have picked any illustrator, why did he choose one on death row? “I asked several artists, but none worked out. An inmate suggested Kevin Marinelli to show how people with vastly different backgrounds could unite for a better world.”

Mr. Marinelli was convicted of a murder that occurred during a 1994 robbery. His sentence is currently under appeal. How the Rainbow Got its Stripes represents Marinelli’s first effort as an illustrator. (A self-taught artist, his drawing of former U.S. President Barack Obama accompanies this release.)

Says Mr. Marinelli, “The project was very rewarding and I feel a great sense of accomplishment. I’d love for some kid to see my illustrations and realize no matter where you are, no matter how far gone you feel you are, there’s always hope for a better life, to be a better person and to do something positive with yourself.”

Mr. Estrin echoes Mr. Marinelli’s opinion. “These seven laws can help hit the reset button on society by stressing the moral foundation we all have in common. Even the U.S. Congress has recognized their importance.”

In 1991, the 102nd Congress passed Joint Resolution 104 which declared “ethical values and principles have been the bedrock of society from the dawn of civilization, when they were known as the Seven Noahide Laws.”

(https://www.congress.gov/bill/102nd-congress/house-joint-resolution/104/text/enr)

According to Mr. Estrin, the laws of Noah apply to Jews and Gentiles alike, and should not interfere with personal religious practice. Rather, he claims, the laws enhance it. “The laws help people live peaceful and happy lives. For that reason, How the Rainbow Got its Stripes is a fable for our times.”

How the Rainbow Got its Stripes is available on Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/How-Rainbow-Got-Its-Stripes/dp/1081516208

8 BILLION TREES’ MISSION

The mission is simple: change the world one tree at a time.

By subscribing and becoming a part of 8 Billion Trees’ global initiative, 8 Billion Trees will save 100 existing trees and plant at least 10 new trees per month on your behalf.

8 Billion Trees thinks it’s something to smile and feel good about. And so do the animals you’re helping to save.

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IT’S TIME TO ACT

We all know deforestation is destroying habitats, fueling climate change, and increasing pollution. But most people just don’t feel it’s possible to do anything to help.

Planting trees won’t solve all the world’s issues. But it’s something tangible that we CAN do that will make a BIG difference and start saving the lives of millions of endangered animals immediately.

8 Billion Trees is conserving 100 existing trees and planting 10 new trees for every item sold.

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8 BILLION TREES DOCUMENTARY

Follow the 8 Billion Trees team as it travels to the Amazon to fight deforestation where it matters most.

8 Billion Trees was founded with a simple idea: if people can destroy the Earth, they can also help to rebuild it.

Co-founders Michael Powell and Jon Chambers were inspired by groups like Ecosia and Trees for the Future, but saw the opportunity to do something even bigger: plant and save 8 billion trees.

Taking their passion for entrepreneurship and channeling it into a cause for greater good, 8 Billion Trees was born on November 10th, 2018.

At 8 Billion Trees, the goal is to become the most environmentally aware company on the planet. 8 Billion Trees doesn’t simply want to reduce the negative impacts of habitat destruction, deforestation and irresponsible forestry–it wants to use these issues as fuel to completely revitalize what it means to be environmentally friendly. By changing our environment and spreading awareness, it is hoping to make a global change.

It also hopes to serve as an example for other companies by proving that focusing on social and environmental responsibility just as much as profit is a sustainable business model.

Everything 8 Billion Trees does as a company is dedicated to furthering its environmental mission.

8 Billion Trees’ mission is really to restore the Earth and fight against the evils of deforestation. 8 Billion Trees is always striving to find new ways to revitalize and restore the environment. Ultimately, we are here to leave the world a better place than we found it, while inspiring others to do the same for an Earth of tomorrow that is greener and brighter for all.

By conserving existing trees and planting new trees we can help to save endangered animals.

By subscribing and becoming a member, you take a stand in the fight for a better, greener, more sustainable Earth.

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