A small teacup contains infinite mysteries and endless beauty. From the selection of clay, shaping the cup, glazing with colors, to firing in the kiln, every step in making a teacup involves great knowledge. The blending of Tea and the cup, the gentle touch of skin against the rim, adds a unique charm to the experience of savoring tea. China's long tradition of tea appreciation, along with the praise and stories about cups by scholars through the ages, has imbued Teacups with deep cultural significance. Philosophical tales about teacups have been passed down for generations.

(I) Pick Up the Teacup, Put Down Your Troubles

In real life, whether Drinking Tea, alcohol, or playing music, finding peace of mind and enjoying oneself is a good time on earth.

Mr. Lu Xun once said, “Being able to drink good tea and knowing how to appreciate it is a kind of ‘purity and ease.'” Everyone wants to enjoy this ‘purity and ease,' but not everyone understands what it means. In fact, the simplest way is to set aside trivial matters when drinking tea.

People are busy with their daily lives and cannot escape the troubles at hand. Nowadays, when people go to teahouses, it's often to discuss business. They drink tea to quench their thirst after talking until they're parched. They talk while drinking, then drink some more and continue talking, far from the original purpose of tasting tea.

True tea appreciation involves setting aside one's restless thoughts and maintaining clarity of mind, allowing a sense of ease and contentment to arise from within, as if nourished by grass and trees.

There is a saying in China: “Tea is like a recluse, wine like a hero; wine is for friendship, tea for quiet appreciation.” Drinking wine can be boisterous and convivial, calling friends and companions, but drinking tea is truly a peaceful affair.

(II) Teacups and Humility

There was a despondent young man who traveled a thousand miles to the Zhongnan Mountain temple to lament to Abbot Mingxin, “I am wholeheartedly devoted to learning painting, but I have searched far and wide and have yet to find a teacher who satisfies me.”

Abbot Mingxin smiled gently and said, “Though this old monk does not understand painting, I do enjoy appreciating and collecting works by famous artists. Since your skills are commendable, why don't you leave an artistic treasure for this old monk?”

The young monk prepared the Four Treasures of the Study.

Abbot Mingxin continued, “This old monk's greatest pleasure is leisurely drinking tea. Why don't you paint a teacup and a teapot for me?”

The young man readily agreed and laid out paper and ink. Soon, a tilted teapot and an exquisite teacup came to life on the paper, vivid and lifelike.

A stream of fragrant tea slowly poured from the teapot into the teacup. The young man was filled with pride and wrote the words “Fragrant Tea Overflowing” in flowing calligraphy.

After putting down his brush, the young man asked Abbot Mingxin, “Master, are you satisfied with this painting?”

The abbot glanced at it and shook his head, “Your painting is indeed excellent, but I feel that you have placed the teapot and teacup in the wrong positions. In my view, the teacup should be above, and the teapot below.”

The young man laughed and said, “Master, you are mistaken. How could there be a teapot pouring water into a teacup with the teacup above and the teapot below?”

Abbot Mingxin stroked his beard and laughed, “You are teachable! In fact, you understand this principle. Unfortunately, over the years, you have held your own cup too high, higher even than the ‘Teapots' from whom you sought guidance. How could the wisdom of those teachers flow into your cup?”

The young man was enlightened and thanked the abbot repeatedly. He humbly learned from others and eventually became a master, combining the strengths of many.

Wisdom's Light: Humility is key in being a person, and sincerity is essential in learning. Often keeping our teacups low, maintaining appropriate humility, allows us to constantly receive wisdom, which elevates and enriches us. The sea is vast because it remains humble.

(III) Different Teacups, Different Moods

The Buddha said: There are countless worlds, like sands in the Ganges River.

The Buddha said: Countless worlds exist within a single particle.

No two leaves are identical, and no two teacups are the same. Aside from differences in material, shape, and texture between cups, the moods they evoke also vary greatly depending on the viewer.

Pink like a tree full of cherry blossoms, deep blue like the vast stars; some like dragons playing with a pearl, others like ants leaving winding trails…

Each cup has its own story, revealing its soul through the alchemy of the kiln. Each one displays its own charm and strength, coloring the world within the cup in a myriad of hues.

Silence speaks volumes.

There is no need to argue what is what. If you think it is, then it is so.