The morning is quiet and peaceful, with nothing to do.
The small cluster of wisteria in the courtyard is in full bloom, its lilac and white flowers hanging down in clusters, a delightful sight for the eyes.
Soon, the water in the kettle begins to boil, bubbling up into clouds of white steam.
The morning sun is still gentle, and a light breeze blows, causing the copper coin plants in the water jar to sway gently—a truly comfortable and pleasant moment.
To those who love Tea, it is a wonderful thing. Meeting through tea and bonding over it is an indescribably beautiful experience.
A sip of the tea broth, its fragrance lingering, brings clarity to the mind, and every moment spent with tea is always so beautiful.
Hence, there is the saying of “ichi-go ichi-e” (one time, one meeting) in Tea drinking. In this life, when you encounter a Cup of tea or meet someone, whether the connection is long or short, it is unique, and should be cherished.
Those who love tea often talk about their love for it—loving to drink tea, loving to brew tea, and loving to store tea. Tea deserves love not only because of its health benefits, soothing nature, and rich depth but also due to its exquisite taste and the joy of brewing it.
Loving tea goes beyond just the tea itself.
Tea farmers love tea because of the place where the leaves grow, each rock, each patch of soil, every drop of dew, every clear spring, even every breeze, rainstorm, and cloud—they love them all with passion and sincerity. It is a feeling intertwined with sweat and life.
Tea merchants love tea, not only hoping to gain more wealth and freedom from it but also placing their dreams within it, treating this leaf as a means to achieve their ideals and aspirations.
Tea enthusiasts love tea not just because of their own fondness for it but also for the solitude it offers when drinking alone and the exchange and joy it brings when sharing with friends. A cup of clear tea repays a kindred spirit; in tea, one can find greater ease and satisfaction.
Loving tea extends beyond just the tea.
When troubled, tea can calm the mind. When people calm down, they become more rational, and with rationality comes a more comprehensive perspective on problems. Thus, some inner turmoil, depression, and dissatisfaction gradually dissipate. In fact, most of our troubles are self-imposed; tea is simply the one that awakens us!
When restless, tea can help one regain clarity. Sometimes, when the heart is too restless, one cannot enter a state of focus no matter how hard they try to adjust. But thoughts wander uncontrollably. At such times, brewing a cup of tea and savoring its flavor and aroma can serve to refresh oneself, providing space for reflection.
When tired, tea can help relieve stress. The fast-paced and busy urban lifestyle inevitably leads to feelings of fatigue and mental exhaustion. At such times, finding a quiet place to sit and have some tea, perhaps inviting two or three friends along, feels truly blissful. One realizes that what we desire is actually quite simple.
During leisurely moments, brew a cup of tea and savor it calmly amidst its elegant fragrance. The mood becomes tranquil, and some pursuits will never be fulfilled, while some regrets can never be remedied.
On the journey, sometimes one needs to rest by the roadside; allowing the weary body to rest, one discovers that by adopting a different way of living, the world can be so beautiful.
Loving tea means loving oneself when drinking tea.
Give the busy heart a space to rest, for many disturbances in life dissipate like wind-blown dust.