“Unoccupied” and “at leisure,” these are two of the most ordinary words. When I first read in the “Continuation of the Tea Classic” about Feng Ke-bin's “Tea Notes” section on “Tea Appropriateness” in which thirteen scenarios are listed as suitable for tea, including “unoccupied,” “fine guests,” “quiet sitting,” “recitation,” “writing,” “wandering,” “waking up,” “recovering from a hangover,” “elegant offerings,” “refined abode,” “meeting of hearts,” “appreciation,” and “cultured servants,” my understanding of the word “unoccupied” took on new meaning. It turns out that our casually used “unoccupied” is actually ranked first among the thirteen tea appropriatenesses. Upon reflection, how marvelous!

Since then, I've developed an affection for the term “unoccupied” and included it in our tea enthusiasts' association's practical reference book, “Elegant Engagement.” Definition: Unoccupied, taken from the first entry in Feng Ke-bin's “Tea Notes” in the Ming dynasty, it expresses a state of “tea appropriateness” and conveys a mood suitable for enjoying tea. Example: Tea Enthusiast A: Free for tea? Tea Enthusiast B: Unoccupied, let's go!

Last year, our tea enthusiasts' association customized a batch of host cups, collecting ten frequently used terms by tea enthusiasts, and “unoccupied” was naturally included.

I have always advocated finding leisure amidst busyness. Even when work and life are hectic, it doesn't stop me from Drinking Tea. No matter how busy, with a thermos, a few grams of high-quality mid-aged tea that can withstand Steeping, set a timer, and once the bell rings, the tea is ready. Savor a sip, and at that moment, I am in a state of being “unoccupied.”

Even a brief moment of respite allows for slow brewing and savoring. If there's half a day to spare, light the stove, boil water, and slowly Brew and taste. At such moments, time seems to slow down. I am always enchanted by these fragmented moments of “unoccupied” amidst a busy life. This aspiration and pursuit are also reflected in my social media, leading many to assume I am always “unoccupied.”

Mentioning “unoccupied,” there's a story about a tea enthusiast that must be shared. One member of our tea enthusiasts' association has the catchphrase “I am unoccupied every day,” earning him the nickname “Brother Unoccupied.” Once, Brother Unoccupied came to the association for tea, and halfway through, I noticed that the cup in front of him was the “Unoccupied” cup. What a coincidence! I immediately said, “It suits you; take it home after drinking.”

Brother Unoccupied was my high school classmate. It's been twenty years since we graduated, but his smile hasn't changed from those high school days, always showing a carefree smile. Over the past twenty years, he's been involved in many businesses across various industries, giving him a broad perspective, much like his attitude towards tea.

In Brother Unoccupied, I see the embodiment of “unoccupied.” A person who has achieved success in their career yet maintains a state of being “unoccupied” is truly an enviable and admirable state. In Brother Unoccupied, we see that “unoccupied” is not just a state of life but also a realm of existence.

In Chaozhou Gongfu tea parlance, there is a well-known phrase, “If you're at leisure, come for tea.” The phrase “at leisure” shares a similar sentiment with “unoccupied.” One day, as I pondered this, a sentence suddenly popped into my head: “At leisure, unoccupied, tea is appropriate!” Isn't this exactly what we tea drinkers aspire to?

Over the years, I have promoted the tea philosophy of “Drinking in ease, the heart becomes at ease.” This aligns with our current advocacy of “tea appropriateness.” We believe that the best state for drinking tea is being “unoccupied.” One does not necessarily need to be physically unoccupied; having a mind at ease is enough.

Holding a heart at ease leads to a body at leisure, enabling one to savor “tasty” tea. This is called “drinking in ease.” Being immersed in “tasty” tea nurtures a mind at ease and a body at leisure, which is referred to as “the heart becoming at ease through drinking.”

Brewing follows suit: drinking in ease, the heart becomes at ease. Amidst the tea setting, everything within sight and heart is tea. Having a body at leisure and a mind unoccupied, one can speak of brewing. This is called “drinking in ease.” Being absorbed in this, reveling in this, losing track of time while sipping from cup and pot, is referred to as “the heart becoming at ease through brewing.”

Therefore, we propose the “three realms of tea appropriateness”: At leisure, unoccupied, tea is appropriate! Body at leisure, mind unoccupied, tea is appropriate! Teach your body to be at leisure, do not let matters weigh on your heart, tea is appropriate! So, we composed a couplet: Upon entering, become a guest at leisure; upon sitting, only drink tea when unoccupied.

Originally published in Pu'er Magazine

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