The Way of Tea
A monk once asked his master, “No matter what lies ahead, what is the Way?” The master quickly replied, “The Way is your daily life.”
The spirit of the Way of Tea are the four basic principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
The principle of harmony means to be free of pretensions, walking the path of moderation, becoming neither free heated nor cold, and never forgetting the attitude of humility. Respect is the sincerity of heart that liberates us for an open relationship with the immediate environment, our fellow human beings, and nature, while recognizing the innate dignity of each. Purity represent clearing the duct of the world from one’s heart and mind, so that people and things can be perceived in their truest state. The act of cleaning enables one to sense the pure and sacred essence of things, humans, and nature. To be pure is to attend to one’s consciousness and state of mind in this moment.
Tranquility comes with the constant practice of harmony, respect, and purity in daily life.
