To the Chinese, “Tea” is a warm word, imbued with a sense of warmth.

Tea is an essential part of starting a new day for the Chinese. Firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea represent the daily necessities of life; tea comes last in this list but is mentioned most often in poetry.

The affection that Chinese people have for tea has become a deep-seated sentiment, and their understanding of it has been passed down through generations.

As each leaf unfolds gently in the water, like little heart-shaped green boats floating on waves, we seem to feel a tranquil and nourishing sentiment.

Reading Zhou Zuoren's works such as “On Drinking Tea,” “Concerning Bitter Tea,” “Eating Tea,” and “Boiling Tea,” the ease and elegance flow through one's heart like a clear spring.

In the world of Tea ceremony and gongfu tea, the hustle and bustle of fame and wealth pass by like clouds, softening the various conflicts and contradictions of the mundane world, reducing some of the restlessness, and softening our gaze.

In “On Drinking Tea,” it is written: “Tea should be drunk under paper windows, with clear water and green tea, using simple and elegant Ceramic tea wares, shared with two or three others, gaining half a day of leisure, which can compensate for ten years of worldly dreams.”

This is the peace and spiritual elevation that tea bestows upon us.

Ancient literati used objects to symbolize their aspirations, often depicting in their poems or paintings the beauty, fragrance, elegance, and integrity of orchids, lilies, chrysanthemums, and plum blossoms, to metaphorically represent beauties, gentlemen, loyal officials, and righteous warriors…

They praised and sighed over these, subtly alluding to their own aspirations and virtues. Poems and essays that use tea as a symbol are also common.

In ancient times, literati often used objects to symbolize their aspirations, representing in their poems or paintings the beauty, fragrance, elegance, and integrity of orchids, lilies, chrysanthemums, and plum blossoms to express their emotions and ambitions.

Tea is not just a beverage but also a metaphor for a state of mind.

In the realm of tea ceremony and gongfu tea, the disturbances of fame and wealth dissipate like passing clouds, and the contradictions of life fade away.

Tea allows us to find a moment of tranquility amidst the busyness of life and makes our perspective gentler.

While not everyone may grasp the essence of tea ceremony, the warmth of tea is something that everyone can enjoy.

Savoring tea is not only an art of living but also a spiritual sustenance.

It enables us to appreciate the beauty of life through tasting and understand the true meaning of life through the aroma of tea.

In our busy lives, let's slow down and savor a fine Cup of tea, enjoying that peace and warmth that belongs to us.