When I first started Drinking Tea, I blindly sipped it down, then thought I could discern something profound. Eventually, I realized that the true flavors within tea can only be understood through the lens of life itself. Life is like tea, and we should consider drinking tea as a process of growth.
Many people are fond of tea and its culture, appreciating the noble qualities and meanings behind it. They integrate tea into their daily lives, closely linking personal conduct with the principles of tea, transforming it into an art form unique to their own way of living and being.
With tea as a companion, explore inner richness and growth.
Tea has always been a symbol of elegance and purity in Chinese tradition, embodying rich qualities such as inclusiveness, freshness, and Confucian and Taoist philosophies. Through the experience of drinking and understanding tea, we can resonate with emotions that relate to our daily lives.
The picking and roasting of tea leaves represent the perseverance to retain one's essence despite hardships. The rinsing and steeping of tea is a process of adhering to one's true nature while releasing its fragrance amidst ups and downs. Tasting tea is akin to tasting life; it becomes an education in how to live and a source of aspiration for beautiful sentiments.
For example, Green Tea represents freshness and refinement, allowing one to appreciate a tranquil demeanor through its subtle fragrance during consumption. Black Tea, with its rich and pure infusion, bears a strong resemblance to human loyalty and tolerance. Pu'er tea, which improves with age, mirrors how individuals develop a unique character and aroma through the trials of time.
Life's trials are like tea: after bitterness comes sweetness.
Due to the presence of alkaloids, tea naturally tastes slightly bitter. However, this very bitterness adds depth to the pleasure of drinking it. At first sip, the tea is so bitter that you might want to spit it out immediately. But if you endure just a little longer, a refreshing sweetness soon follows, gradually erasing the bitterness. This sensation, striking deep within the soul, is truly awe-inspiring.
Savoring the tea that is “bitter yet sweet,” growth seems to have this very flavor: bitter, yet fragrant; bitter, yet sweet; bitter, yet flavorful. As worries accumulate, time passes, and experiences grow, the bitterness dissipates, and sweetness begins to emerge… Everyone grows up amidst the aroma of tea, and with each taste of its bitterness, they gain a deeper understanding of life.
In the exchange of a Cup of tea, cultivate awareness of oneself and others.
Traditional tea ceremonies encompass a wealth of etiquette knowledge, especially in the different customs and manners involved in brewing, smelling, and tasting tea. Through experiencing and learning about the tea ceremony, one not only gains insight into the differences in brewing various types of tea but also the relationships between guests and the ideas conveyed throughout the process. Tea art is a comprehensive art form.
The exquisite process of tea appreciation involves meticulous steps, each imbued with meaning. The entire act of brewing tea, from gesture to movement, exudes the charm of tea culture, making it a sight to behold. Moreover, it instills a sense of composure and leisure.
Sharing tea brings people closer together. Drinking tea alone can be peaceful, with two people it can be interesting, and with three, it can be flavorful. With a larger group, wisdom is shared. When friends visit, heating water, cleaning utensils, and enjoying tea together makes the experience elegant and enjoyable. A few close friends brewing fine tea and engaging in wide-ranging conversations can lead to friendships that are often more genuine, bound by a cup of clear tea.