A cup of tea's philosophy of life

Author: Chi Zongxian
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-03-01
Features: To savor the true taste of tea, it is not just about good tea and good water, but more importantly, a good mood for tea. To attain genuine happiness in life, it is not just about wealth and dreams, but more importantly, a correct mindset toward life. This book takes you through life from a cup of tea, revealing the elegant essence of existence. The book is divided into two parts. The first part consists of four to five hundred words each, written in prose style, expressing the author's insights into life through the spirit of tea, and further practicing his ideals of life aesthetics through tea ware collection. Every word is a gem, lively and engaging. The second part lists 72 tea wares collected by the author over the years, arranged chronologically with descriptions, greatly enhancing the aesthetic pleasure. Tea-related anecdotes and poems by literati are scattered throughout, serving as the foundation for stirring emotional resonance and exploring the origins of ancient tea history and fragrance poetry. The author recognizes that tea is more than just quenching thirst—it embodies the wisdom of the great universe and Zen principles, a divine gift to humanity with the most vibrant life force. The author is a tea connoisseur who understands, prepares, and drinks tea, bringing a tea-infused perspective to his life. By presenting both words and wares together, he candidly reveals his life attitude. A Life Philosophy in a Cup of Tea may initially appear as a lighthearted essay on life inspired by tea. Upon closer inspection, one realizes the author is a true tea connoisseur who understands, prepares, and drinks tea—not someone who doesn’t know tea but loves it, nor someone who talks about tea but doesn’t drink it, nor someone who drinks tea but doesn’t prepare it. What’s the difference? The former writes about life with a tea-infused perspective, living up to the title A Life Philosophy in a Cup of Tea. The latter, however, writes about tea in a way that no longer resonates with it, naturally failing to evoke readers’ empathy for his life. Moreover, the latter misguides many people’s knowledge and perceptions of tea, which is a cause of great distress for tea enthusiasts. This book includes nearly one hundred tea wares treasured by the author, offering a feast for the eyes even in their mere appreciation. Mr. Chi mentions in the text, time and again, his attitude toward these ancient artifacts and collections, as well as his experiences of using them and drinking tea with them. This is a collector with "ability"—someone who can afford to collect, not just someone who locks away their treasures in a safe deposit box, leaving only a ledger in hand. By presenting words and wares side by side, the author candidly reveals his life attitude, and those who read his book also gain the pleasure of admiring both.