The Philosopher’s House, a non-profit tea house that offers a variety of organic teas and classes, opened at the beginning of December 2022 on Fairview Avenue, overlooking King Commons Park.
This comforting, education-focused environment is quite unique to the Johnson City area and introduces teas from all over the world—British, traditional Chinese, Japanese, South African—to educate on different cultures.
However, The Philosopher’s House provides an experience that goes beyond the beverages; there are also many classes and events available. Classes are scheduled to start at the beginning of February and include German and Japanese language, beginner drawing, tai-chi, beginner meditation, historical fencing, poetry, yoga and eastern philosophy taught with an emphasis on tea culture.
“A lot of eastern philosophy—particularly around tea culture—is heavily interested in interpersonal relationships and relationships with nature,” says founder Jesse Shelton. “It is philosophy that you enact in a physical way.”
This is one example of how tea is creating intricate connections among people at the shop. It is a space that teaches the importance of these relationships and is more of a community than a business.
“As a non-profit space, we rely heavily on volunteers,” Shelton says. Volunteers help with serving, cleaning, teaching or other small tasks around the shop, and those who work weekly and accumulate six hours per month will receive a free membership.
Memberships include a 20% discount on food and tea, special menu items, one free bag of tea monthly, priority on seating at events and workshops and access to special events. If volunteering is not an option, membership can also be acquired by making a monthly donation to the shop.
Shelton derived the company’s name from the combination of the liberal arts aspects found in the different events and classes held there and the cozy atmosphere felt as soon as you walk in the door. The East Asian influence comes from his time studying in Japan and Nepal.
Shelton hopes that people will find a sense of relief and comfort within this community and that newcomers will feel welcome. “There is a saying: ‘Zen mind, beginners mind… In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities, and in the expert’s mind there are few’,” Shelton says. “Be the beginner.”
For more information on classes and events, volunteering or donating at The Philosopher’s House, visit their website at thephilosophershouse.org.
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