Tea with Gagan: A Journey into Awareness and Spirituality

On Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 1pm, a small gathering of seekers came together in Fountain House to experience the wisdom and presence of Zen monk Gagan. Dressed in his traditional grey robes, he sat on the floor of the living room, his singing bowl and mallet resting beside him, ready to guide us into a space of reflection and meditation. We, his audience, sat comfortably on couches and chairs, physically above him, but in no way feeling superior.

Gagan spoke on many topics—too many for a single mind to retain—but certain themes resonated deeply. He began with a powerful distinction between religion and spirituality, emphasizing how institutions often become clouded by human ego. As religions grew, they were shaped by the desire for grandeur—the tallest cathedrals, the most lavish temples—structures designed to inspire awe, yet often overshadowing the simplicity and wisdom of their original founders, such as Jesus Christ or the Buddha. He reminded us that at its core, spiritual practice should be about internal transformation, not external displays of power.

He then turned to the nature of happiness. In the human world, everyone chases what they believe will bring them joy—money, success, possessions. Yet Gagan gently pointed out that these pursuits only grant temporary satisfaction. True happiness, he suggested, is peace of mind, a sense of gratitude and contentment that is not dependent on external circumstances.

In questioning our true nature, Gagan posed a profound inquiry: Are we simply our bodies, minds, and emotions? He explained that thoughts and emotions are fleeting—what upsets us today may be forgotten tomorrow. Yet something within us remains constant—our Awareness. It is Awareness that perceives change, witnesses joy and sorrow, and remains ever-present. Mass media and advertising, he warned, constantly battle for our attention, seeking to pull us toward distractions that do not nourish our inner peace. He urged us to choose wisely where we place our focus.

As an exercise in self-discovery, Gagan invited each of us to share two things that make us happy. Answers varied—some found joy in friends and caregivers, others in being present, nature, animals, serving others, and personal achievements.

Then, silence. The singing bowl rang three times, marking the start of a three-minute meditation. We focused on breath, stillness, and the subtle sounds surrounding us. After another round of meditation, Gagan led us in gentle Tai Chi and Qigong exercises, movements that engaged our bodies and helped rejuvenate our energy.

We sipped warm herbal tea as we absorbed his teachings. The evening ended with a group photo, capturing the essence of the experience—a gathering of seekers, friends, and those embracing the journey of inner growth.

We hope to continue these gatherings, with Tea with Gagan returning in July (date TBD). If you’d like to be part of this and other City Voices events, feel free to email daniel.frey@fountainhouse.org or text 929-884-3564. Let’s grow our community of spiritual seekers and friend-makers. Hope to see you soon.