Tea, this ancient and wondrous beverage, carries with it a millennium of culture and wisdom. In China, tea is more than just a drink; it represents a way of life and a spiritual pursuit.
Having good tea and knowing how to enjoy it truly is a blessing. Lu Xun had a deep appreciation for this, not only enjoying tea but also valuing the art of drinking it. During turbulent times, he remained true to himself, his composure and equanimity admirable. In his essay “Drinking Tea,” he shared his unique insights into tea, expressing his fondness for Green Tea, which brings a fresh clarity as if through a cup of green tea one could glimpse his cool and transparent inner world. Likewise, Lao She had a profound connection to tea, using it as a metaphor for life in “The Teahouse.” He often emphasized that drinking tea is an art form. With clear tea as his companion, he wrote tirelessly, leaving behind many enduring masterpieces. Perhaps those original manuscripts are imbued with the scent of tea, capturing his thoughts and inspirations as he created.
It seems that people with strong inner fortitude have an inexplicable bond with tea, and this is no coincidence. From a simple leaf, tea undergoes the trials of picking, withering, rolling, and drying before being reborn as a fragrant drink in our hands. This mirrors the journey of life, full of challenges and hardships, and only through these experiences can we truly understand the essence of life.
As a natural beverage, tea offers numerous Health benefits. It is rich in various vitamins that help maintain dietary balance; caffeine and catechins aid digestion; and caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system, providing a refreshing effect. In today's fast-paced society, people often become restless and agitated in their pursuits. This restlessness stems from dissatisfaction with reality and the anxiety of eagerly desiring success yet feeling stuck. Such internal turmoil disrupts the rhythm of life, robbing us of inner peace.
Drinking tea is an excellent way to regain tranquility and composure. The methodical actions of rinsing cups, warming them, adding tea leaves, pouring water, appreciating, and savoring the tea are like a ritual that can calm an agitated mind. When focused on these movements, we forget the noise of the outside world and find inner peace. The aroma of tea seems to be nature's call, its fresh scent awakening and invigorating, offering a moment of epiphany, revealing what truly matters in life. As the tea flows over the tongue, there is a sense of relief and comfort. In the careful tasting of tea, time seems to slow down, and worries gradually dissipate.
However, not everyone who drinks tea achieves true composure. Tea merely provides an opportunity for calmness. The key is to engage wholeheartedly, to enjoy, contemplate, and discover oneself, and to gain insight into the essence of life. We must learn to settle our minds in the world of tea, letting go of restlessness and anxiety, facing the vicissitudes of life with a peaceful heart.
Like life, tea has its ups and downs, its bitterness and sweetness. In a single cup of tea, we can taste the myriad flavors of life. Sometimes, the tea may be bitter, but if we patiently savor it, we will find a hint of sweetness after the bitterness. This is akin to the difficulties and setbacks in life; having experienced them, we emerge stronger and more appreciative of life's beauties.
Let us find inner peace and composure in the aroma of tea. Whether during busy workdays or leisurely weekends, Brew yourself a cup of tea and let the lingering fragrance surround you, nourishing and comforting your soul. Let us accompany tea through the passage of time, writing our own stories of tea and the rhythm of life.
In the world of tea's aroma, we can gather with friends, sharing precious moments; we can be alone, contemplating and meditating; we can be with family, experiencing the warmth of kinship. Tea becomes an indispensable part of our lives, witnessing our joys and sorrows, accompanying us through every stage of life.
Drinking tea is not just an act but an attitude, a love and respect for life. Let us take the time for a cup of tea to contemplate the meaning of life, to discover beauty, and to embrace our own tranquility and composure. Amidst the lingering fragrance of tea, let our lives shine with even greater brilliance.