Tea Morals

In “Cha Jing” written by Lu Yu, he has mentioned tea morals for the personality cultivation in four Chinese words which worthwhile for repeatedly relearn through reflection:

“精 jing”

The direct English translation is “Refinement”. How to refine the daily life is a matter of choice, the challenge is whether we know what and how to take own responsibilities for the choice we chose.

Making tea is same as making self and vice versa; how to create and sustain the harmony in life subjects to how we manage details in everyday’s life.

“行 xing”

It’s about behaviors and manners; it’s upto whether we are willing to delightfully implement in daily life without feeling been impulsed or obligated, it also urges us to rethink the philosopophy of what and how to put “Knowing & Acting in One” ( by Scholar Wang YangMing in Ming Dynasty). There are plenty great thinking in different languages in the East and the West, but sharing the same essence of reminding us the important values of collectivism, mutual respect and unitity.

The time of our life is limited, but the collective values that we can create and leave behind can be unlimited based on the efforts to pass on accurate knowledge and leave behind with good examples. We can create life values by self discipline, reflections as self examination and enlightenment through non-stop learning attitude.

“俭 jian”

Frugal in English which reminds us the importance in thrifty, pinching, chary and forehanded not only in everyday’s life but also important for society development which through tea we learn to put the principles of self-discipline, no greed, no corruption and no depravity to become a better person.

“德 De”

Moral in English, which is emphasized in Chinese Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism in 5000 years Chinese civilization history, and has great influence to improve the quality of everyday’s life till today; it also links with the essence in harmony of “Respect, Purity, Calm”.

Are these moral principles only limited to the learning and practicing of tea? Or actually it has very good impact to individual daily living and collective society development?

Let’s have a cup of tea !

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