The Four Hearts of Brewing Tea

Patience: The patience to wait for water to boil,

Attentiveness: The care to brew a perfect cup of tea,

Focus: A mind free of distractions when steeping tea—one heart, one cup,

Tranquility: Only with a calm heart can one truly appreciate tea.

The Nobility of Tea The nobility of brewing lies in purity; the nature of tea lies in its authenticity,

The etiquette of tea lies in respect; the art of tea-making lies in precision,

The integrity of tea merchants lies in honesty; the bond among tea friends lies in simplicity,

The essence of tea gatherings lies in harmony; the beauty of tea tasting lies in serenity,

The value of tea-picking lies in timing; the virtue of tea masters lies in sincerity.

The Nature of Tea Black tea is mellow and sweet,

Floral tea is fragrant and rich,

Green tea is refreshing and light,

Oolong tea is diverse and complex,

Dark tea is robust and intense,

Yellow tea is sweet and aromatic,

White tea is smooth and delicate.

Tea Drinkers People from Guangxi value the taste of tea,

Chaoshan people cherish the emotional connection through tea,

Guangzhou residents see tea as part of daily life,

Chongqing locals enjoy the lively atmosphere of tea gatherings,

Beijingers associate tea with elegance and prestige,

Fujianese emphasize the tea art,

Chengdu folks relish the leisurely pace of tea-drinking,

Shanghainese appreciate the sophistication of tea culture,

Hangzhou residents find poetry in tea.

Life Lessons from Tea Pu'er—Even as time passes and youth fades, life remains rich and memorable, often becoming a classic in one's heart.

Matcha—Its intense aroma comes from silent dedication,不求闻名遐迩，但求静心一世 (不求闻名遐迩，但求静心一世).

Oolong—It endures loneliness and withstands trials, developing a unique character in this vast world.

Black tea—With a broad mind, it embraces all, quietly awaiting a kindred spirit in this bustling world.

Tea and Health Preservation ①: Tea fragrance clears the mind—The aroma of tea enters through the ears and nose, calming restless thoughts and bringing peace.

②: Tea flavors nourish the skin—Different teas suit different people, and proper consumption can enhance skin radiance and overall health.

③: Tea nature soothes the heart—Brewing tea cultivates mindfulness, while sipping it offers insights into life's truths.

Tea and Friends As recorded in Zhang Yuan's Ming Dynasty Tea Manual: "Drinking tea is best with few guests; too many create noise, diminishing its elegance."

Thus: Drinking alone is divine; with two, it's sublime; with three or four, it's lively; with five or six, it's casual; with seven or eight, it's excessive.

People in the World of Tea Those who grow tea are called tea farmers; those who sell tea are tea merchants;

Those who evaluate tea are tea masters; those who savor tea are tea drinkers;

Those who gather for tea are tea friends; those who dedicate themselves to tea are tea people.

Seven Taboos of Brewing Tea 1. Improper method: Ignorance of brewing techniques;

2. Poor utensils: Mismatched or unclean tea tools;

3. Lack of harmony: Host or guest lacking refinement;

4. Formal pretenses: Tea for official socializing;

5. Mixed flavors: Avoid pairing tea with strong foods;

6. Distractions: Being preoccupied during tea sessions;

7. Cluttered space: A disorganized tea room.