From the U.S. Army to Korean Temples: My Unexpected Journey into Dado (Tea Ceremony)

 

Discovering Peace, Purpose, and Culture Through Tea

Life is full of unexpected turns. After serving in the U.S. Army for over a decade, I never imagined I’d find serenity sitting cross-legged in a Korean Buddhist temple, learning the delicate art of dado — the traditional tea ceremony. This blog isn’t just about tea. It’s about transformation, about how a soldier searching for calm and reconnection ended up learning discipline through stillness rather than drill. As I transitioned out of military life, I sought new purpose and found it hidden in the simple act of brewing tea with intentionality and respect. I hope my journey inspires you to discover a slower, more meaningful rhythm in your own life. From training fields to temple courtyards, from loud commands to quiet mindfulness, this path was unexpected — yet more fulfilling than I ever imagined. I invite you to explore the spiritual and cultural depths of tea with me.

  

My first encounter with dado wasn't planned. I was invited to a traditional Korean temple retreat while adjusting to civilian life in Seoul. The moment I stepped into the serene garden, I felt something shift within me. Everything slowed down. The air smelled of pine and roasted barley tea. The monks moved with a calm rhythm, and soon I was handed a warm ceramic cup. As I took my first sip, I realized this wasn’t just tea — it was an invitation to pause, to breathe, and to reflect. I came from a life filled with routine, urgency, and physical endurance. Now I was being asked to sit, to be present, and to respect even the smallest gesture. It was the beginning of a personal transformation.

  

Over time, I came to understand that the Korean tea ceremony — or dado — is about more than technique. It's a philosophy of life. From how the tea leaves are placed into the pot to the angle of the bow before serving, every action is done with care. The monks taught me that tea is a mirror; it reflects your state of mind. If you rush, the tea turns bitter. If you prepare it with calm intention, the flavor blossoms. This ritual changed the way I view discipline. The military taught me to act with precision, but dado taught me to live with presence.

   

Key Points

Integrating the spirit of dado into my daily life helped me reconnect with values I had forgotten during my military years — stillness, appreciation, humility. Even now, living back in the city, I make time for tea. It grounds me. The discipline I once knew through marching drills is now found in warming the pot, pouring water in a circular flow, and sipping with reverence. This practice has opened a doorway to a deeper part of myself — one that seeks balance and finds meaning in small, mindful rituals.

What is the Korean tea ceremony (Dado)?

Dado is a meditative tea practice rooted in Korean culture. It emphasizes respect, intentional movement, and peaceful presence during the act of brewing and drinking tea.

How did tea help you transition from military life?

Tea became a ritual of reflection. It replaced the structure of military life with mindful practice, helping me reconnect with inner peace and purpose.

Can anyone learn the tea ceremony?

Absolutely. While it has cultural roots, Dado is open to anyone willing to learn with respect and patience. It’s a universal path to mindfulness.

My journey from the U.S. Army to Korean temples was not just geographical — it was spiritual. Learning dado helped me rebuild my internal world with quiet strength. Through the simple act of preparing and sharing tea, I found the discipline, grace, and mindfulness I had been missing. This tradition reminded me that healing doesn’t always come from intensity; sometimes it blooms in silence. Whether you're a fellow veteran, a curious traveler, or someone seeking peace, I encourage you to explore tea culture with an open heart. There's wisdom in every drop — and transformation in every cup.