Below, there some “Wisdom” taken from Tea Wisdom Inspirational Quotes and Quips About the World’s Most Celebrated Beverage. Let’s take a look:
A true warrior, like tea, shows his strength in hot water. (Chinese Proverb)
An elder tea master was invited to a session held in the capital. The noble who sponsored the event meant to test him. As the master was walking down the path to the tearoom, a gun was fired. In awe, all the guests noticed that the master’s pace had not wavered in the slightest when the shot startled those that had known about it all along. His practice in the Way of Tea had established his awareness beyond the world of dust. (A.D. Fisher)
Though I cannot flee from the world of corruption, I can prepare tea with water from a mountain stream and put my heart to rest. (Ueda Akinara)
If a man hasn’t any tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty. (Japanese Proverb)
There were two good friends, Chokei and Hofuku. They were talking about the Bodhisattva’s way, and Chokei said, “Even if the arhat (an enlightend one) were to have evil desires, still the Tathagata (Buddha) does not have two kinds of words. I say that the Tathagata has words, but no dualistics words.” Hofuku said, “Even though you say so, your comment is not perfect.” Chokei asked, “What is your understanding of the Tathagata’s words?” Hofuku said, “We have had enough discussion, so let’s have a cup of tea!” (Shunryu Suzuki)
Bright is the setting sun over Kongming Peak, Harder yet for people of Mt. Wuyingshu to seek. The site of wind and sacrificial alter rise even today. And people sit and talk of past and present for aye. Tea seeds left by Zhuge Liang bring prosperity for long. From green mountains, I’m startled by a teapicking song. (Traditional Chinese Poem)
Zhaozhu, Great Master Zhenji, asked a newly arrived monk, “Have you been here before?” The monk said, “Yes, I have been here.” The master said, “Have some tea.” Again, he asked another monk, “Have you been here before?” The monk said, “No, I haven’t been here.” The master said, “Have some tea.” The temple director then asked the master, “Why do you say, ‘Have some tea’, to someone who has been here, and ‘Have some tea’, to someone who has not?” The master said, “Director.” When the director responded, the master said, “Have some tea.” (Dogen – Zenji)
The spirit of tea is the spirit of Zen; there is no “spirit of tea” independent of the spirit of Zen. If you do not know the taste of Zen, you do not know the taste of tea. (Sen Jakuan Sotaku)
If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you. (Gladstone)
That’s all for now ……….. ^^
-Putu-
