In the passage of time, Tea acts as a gentle messenger, subtly conveying the beauty and tranquility of life. Its delicate aroma seems to penetrate through the dust of time, leading us into a world full of poetry and charm.

I. The Ambience of Tea: A Tapestry of Memories and Reflections

When we lift a cup of tea to our lips and take a sip, there is often a wondrous feeling that wells up within us. That familiar taste acts like a key to unlock the door of memory, reminding us of those who have shared a cup with us in the past and the conversations we've had. Memories of people and events related to tea play out in our minds like a movie, and within mere seconds, we seem to enter a unique state of being. This is the ambience created by tea—it is so subtle yet profoundly captivating, drawing us into its spell. And this is precisely why we love tea.

The essence of tea does not lie in its outward form but in the profound meaning it carries. In this world, people may be distinguished by their status, but tea is not. Every type of tea has its own unique value and charm, whether it's a precious and renowned variety or a common one. Drinking the tea that suits you, savoring the flavor that belongs to you alone, is an unparalleled pleasure and a sign of respect for tea.

The taste of tea becomes beautiful because of the person, not the other way around. Those with a beautiful mindset can naturally perceive the soul of tea. Those obsessed with seeking the ultimate taste of tea often lose themselves in the pursuit. If one relentlessly searches for the perfect tea without finding it, isn't that a painful endeavor? It's better to imbue the tea with your own unique flavor and find peace and satisfaction in each fragrant cup.

II. The Realm of Tea in Nature

In the early morning, walking through dew-covered grass is a unique experience. The wind quietly meanders, as serene as a poem; mist gently disperses, as graceful as clouds; the heart, solitary and tranquil, blossoms like a flower, only to wither away. At such times, the surrounding scenery, though beautiful, may not easily reach our inner depths; the view, though enchanting, may not captivate our hearts. Yet, the seemingly distant journey allows our souls to become clear, to gain enlightenment, and to become transparent. Pluck a leaf, and let the crystal-clear dewdrop fill the teacup, crafting a single taste of Zen tea. Then sit alone and quietly savor nature, savor time, and savor life. In these moments of tranquility, it feels as if the entire world merges with us, allowing us to sense the breath of nature and understand the essence of life.

The rugged rocks, unbound by convention, display a thousand variations of light and shadow under the sun. Feeling the mountain breeze flow through the stone chamber, cool and carrying the fragrance of earth, one unexpectedly experiences the primitive dwelling of ancient times. There's a sense of returning to simplicity, which is true relaxation. Just like the Lushan Cloud Mist tea, named for its origin among the misty mountains and peaks, its aroma is fresh and its taste is crisp. Tea enthusiasts sip slowly and chat leisurely, ignoring sayings like “Seven days in the cave, a thousand years in the world.” In these quiet moments, they simply enjoy the beauty that tea brings.

III. The Aesthetics of Tea and the Joys of Mundane Life

Choosing tea and utensils should involve selecting varieties that are unconventional. Once something becomes commonplace, no matter how expensive, it is merely ordinary. Flowers of exquisite beauty float in the water, enjoying the caress of sunlight. Tea blenders skillfully adjust aromas, flavors, and effects according to mood. Recalling the tea shops of the Song Dynasty, decorated with seasonal flowers, hanging paintings by famous artists, potted plants, and even people teaching songs and instruments, their appearance was quite elegant and refined. Today, our cups also contain flowers and paintings, with petals floating as if dancing in a rainbow, and faint sounds of music can be heard.

As beings of the mundane world, we can relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life with ordinary objects. Listen to the tea pickers recount the names of tea seasons based on the twenty-four solar terms: 1) Unknown Spring (Start of Spring); 2) Mingqian Tea (Pure Brightness); 3) Spring Tea (Grain Rain); 4) Summer Tea (Start of Summer), a crucial period for semi-fermented teas; 5) Second Summer Tea (Major Heat and Minor Heat, also known as June White), during which tea leaves are best suited for Black Tea production, and semi-Fermented tea quality is lower; 6) Autumn Tea (Start of Autumn); 7) White Dew Tea (White Dew), when cooler weather causes dew to condense at night, and if accompanied by a northern wind, the tea picked during this period is said to be especially fragrant and delicious; 8) Winter Tea (Start of Winter); 9) Winter Leaves (Winter Solstice). The simplicity and purity of tea farmers, without any ostentation, make their tea as refreshing and pleasant as the tea pickers themselves. Returning to the green nature and embracing rural pleasures has been a tradition since ancient times. Although time has changed, the five words pursued by the tea philosophy of our forebears—purity, harmony, frugality, joy, and health—remain unchanged.

IV. Emotion and Spatial Ambience in Tea Tasting

The moon gate is neither a door nor a window; it's a double seat provided by the matchmaker under the moon, an ideal setting for lovers to meet, families to reunite, and to savor fragrant tea together. For Gongfu tea, Yuan Mei described it in “Suiyuan Menu” as follows: “…the cup is small like a walnut, the Teapot is small like a citron, each pour is less than an ounce, and one hesitates to swallow it after taking a sip, first smelling its aroma, then tasting its lingering sweetness. After one cup, one tries a second, and it helps to calm the mind and reduce anxiety…”

Tasting tea is often a form of leisure, a delightful encounter, and a warm smile. It emphasizes the meeting of hearts, and the layers of space provide a “twist” to these encounters. When we gather with friends in a layered space to taste tea, every conversation and every glance exchanged seems filled with stories. Each cup of tea witnesses our laughter and listens to our secrets. It is the bond that connects us tightly.

In our busy lives, we often yearn for a moment to pause and quietly savor a cup of tea. It's not just about quenching thirst but about finding inner peace. In the process of tea tasting, we can forget the noise and disturbances of the outside world and immerse ourselves in our own little world. Whether in an antique teahouse or in our own backyard, as long as we have a cup of tea in hand, we can feel that special comfort.

V. The Enduring Charm of Tea, A Beautiful Life

Tea is like a wise sage in life, silently guiding us. It teaches us how to maintain serenity amidst chaos and how to discover beauty in simplicity. When we savor a cup of tea with our hearts, we can almost see the leaves stretching out in the water and hear them telling their stories. Each leaf has endured the trials of wind and rain and contains the essence of nature. They travel from the tea garden to our cups, undergoing countless processes, all to bring us that unique taste.

In the process of tea tasting, we grow continuously. We learn to appreciate the beauty of tea, to feel its charm, and to cherish every detail of life. Tea teaches us that life doesn't require extravagance and grandeur;