valerie-jeanne:

“Cha Dao”

Literally, Cha Dao (茶道) means the Way of Tea. “Dao (道)” is the supreme concept in Chinese philosophy, and roughly refers to the underlying essence, principle, or order behind the natural world. Cha Dao stands at the heart of Chinese tea culture. For the Chinese, tea drinking is about much more than simply soaking tea leaves in hot water.  Tea is a cultural activity that embodies the philosophical value of the Chinese. It is a method of self-cultivation by achieving inner peace through the simple act of preparing and savoring tea. This is why tea is particularly well liked by the Taoists and Buddhists. It takes a good mood for the drinker to fully savour the subtlety of tea aroma, taste and flavor. The drinker had better develop a leisurely and care-free mind, free from such worldly pursuits as fame and gain. It is believed, only through inner peace can one’s soul, just like a mirror, see through the ways of the natural world. Therefore, an elegantly simple and quiet environment is often the ideal setting for tea drinking.