.: Membership .: Cours Dates .: Newsletter .: Photo Gallery .: Location .: Accomodation & Fees .: Donations .: Volunteers .: Essential Education Italiano :: Activities :: Dharma Activities   .: JTK Publications .:  Shiddhi Magazine .: Chiara Luce Publications .: Monastery .: Nunnery Commercial Activities   .:  Store & Coffee Shop .: Japanese Tea Garden .: Shine Jewelry Projects   .:  Sangha Support .:  Lay Student Support .:  Herb Garden .:  Maitreya Project .:  Restructure .:  Yeshe Norbu Tibet Aid   Commercial Activities - Japanese Tea Garden The Tea Garden, located in a peaceful, shaded, grassy outdoor area near the Institute's prayer wheel, was originally conceived by Robin Cech and Petr Zon and was inspired by the many tea rooms in their native Czech Republic. After much planning and preparation by several different people, the tea garden opened in May 2002, making elegant use of its surroundings, with a style evocative of Japanese Zen gardens. During the warmer months, people can select from over 25 varieties of tea, each individually brewed, from places as widespread as India, China, Japan, Kenya, and Ceylon. Patrons can enjoy their tea, along with exotic snacks such as kumquats , candied ginger, and dried tropical fruits, while sitting on circular wooden platforms or small benches on the grass, with relaxing music in the background. When the weather is warm, the tea garden is a favorite relaxation and meeting point for both residents and visitors to courses.