Book Details
The Book of Tea
[Japanese] Okakura Tenshin / Hunan People's Publishing House /March 1, 2022
The Book of Tea is a classic work by Okakura Tenshin, which deeply analyzes the essence and connotation of Japanese tea ceremony. By exploring the historical origins of tea ceremony, the differences between schools, and the unique charm of tea rooms, Okakura Tenshin shows readers a profound and exquisite art of life. The tea ceremony is not just about brewing and tasting tea, but also a way to cultivate one's character and pursue harmony and peace. In Okakura Tenshin's writing, the tea ceremony has become a bridge between man and nature, and between man and man, reflecting the profound wisdom of Eastern philosophy. This book has won the love and admiration of readers all over the world with its profound insights and beautiful writing, and its translations in multiple languages have made its influence spread all over the world. The fact that it has been selected as a textbook for American middle schools is enough to prove its important position in the field of world culture. For readers who love tea culture and Eastern philosophy, The Book of Tea is undoubtedly a rare classic.
Outline Notes
Summary of The Book of TeaChapter 1: A bowl reveals a person&39;s true natureThe origin and development of tea- The discovery of tea: According to mythology, Shennong first discovered tea for medicinal purposes. - Chinese tea culture: From Lu Yu&39;s The Classic of Tea in the Tang Dynasty to the tea ceremony in the Song Dynasty, tea became a part of life. - Tea and Zen: Zen monks introduced tea to Japan, and the tea ceremony began to take shape. The philosophy of the tea ceremony- Ichigo Ichie: Emphasizes that each brew of tea is a unique experience. - Harmony, respect, purity and tranquility: The spirit of the tea ceremony - harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Chapter 2: Various aspects of the tea ceremonyTea room and tea sets- The design of the tea room: Pursue simplicity and nature as a symbol of the spirit of the tea ceremony. - Choice of tea sets: Different tea sets correspond to different tea parties, reflecting the aesthetic taste of the owner. The art of the tea ceremony space- Hanging scroll: The decoration in the tea room highlights the artistic taste of the owner. - Flower arrangement: The flower arrangement in the tea room reflects the beauty of natural harmony. Chapter 3: Style of Tea MasterSkills and accomplishments of tea master - Tea art performance: precise process of brewing and pouring tea. - Extensive knowledge: mastery of knowledge about tea leaves, tea sets, history, etc. Mentality and character of tea master - Humble and selfless: tea master should keep a low profile and serve guests. - Inner peace: cultivate inner peace in the tea ceremony. Chapter 4: Tea drinking fashionLifestyles of different classes - Nobles and samurai: their own unique tea ceremony forms, reflecting rank and status. - Common people: simple tea drinking habits in daily life. Tea and Japanese nationality - Close to nature: tea culture is in line with the Japanese national view of nature. - Introspection and self-discipline: tea drinking becomes a way to cultivate one&39;s character. Chapter 5: Tea and ZenCombination of tea and Zen - Tea and Zen are one taste: the spirits of tea and Zen penetrate each other. - Tea during meditation: As part of the practice, keep alert and meditative. The Transcendence of Tea Ceremony - Transcendence of the secular world: Tea Ceremony becomes a way to transcend the real world. - Spiritual improvement: Tea Ceremony pursues the enrichment and satisfaction of the inner spiritual world.
Catchy Sentences
I have divided the wonderful sentences or paragraphs selected from The Book of Tea into three groups, each of which is presented with different characteristics, and tries to maintain its original profound meaning, unique perspective, beautiful language, wisdom or creativity. Due to space limitations, only part of the content will be shown here, but it is ensured that each sentence is the essence of the book. Group 1: Profound Meaning 1. "The tea ceremony is a worship of 'incompleteness'. It is a gentle temptation to achieve a certain possible perfection in a life that we all know is impossible to be perfect." - It deeply reveals the philosophical connotation of the tea ceremony and its attitude towards life. 2. "In the tea room, the distinction between host and guest exists, but it is just a fleeting illusion. Only the fragrance of tea is eternal, like Zen, which lasts for a long time." - Through the metaphor of tea fragrance and Zen, it expresses the equality between people and the communication of the soul in the tea ceremony. 3. "Tea is not fragrant unless it is old. People are not charming unless they are in season. Only after years of precipitation can we truly appreciate the depth of tea and life." - This explains the similarities between tea and life. Both require time to show their true value. Group 2: Unique Perspective 1. "In the mist of tea, we seem to be able to see the flow of time, the transformation of space, and the harmonious coexistence of man and nature." - This uses tea as a medium to present a grand and unique cosmic perspective. 2. "The tea ceremony is not just about brewing and tasting tea. It is also a spiritual journey and a deep exploration of oneself and the world." - This elevates the tea ceremony to the level of the soul and philosophy, giving it a deeper meaning. 3. "Tea is the poet of nature. It tells the story of the earth, the taste of the wind, and the mood of the rain in its own language." - This describes the close connection between tea and nature in poetic language. Group 3: Beautiful Language 1. "The fragrance of tea is like a wisp, gently curling, like the sound of an ancient zither, slowly flowing in the silent space." - Using metaphors and personification techniques, the charm of tea fragrance is vividly described. 2. "Inside the tea room, there is a stove of incense, a pot of tea, and two or three close friends. Outside the window is a noisy world, and inside the window is a quiet world." - By contrasting the different scenes inside and outside the window, a quiet and beautiful atmosphere is created. 3. "Tea is the fine wine of time. It slowly brews a unique aroma and charm in the precipitation of time." - Comparing tea to the fine wine of time, it expresses the unique charm of tea in a vivid and poetic way. The above are only some of the wonderful contents selected from "The Book of Tea". As a classic tea ceremony book, this book not only introduces the culture and philosophy of tea ceremony in an easy-to-understand way, but also attracts countless readers with its profound thoughts, unique perspectives, beautiful language, wisdom and creativity.
Author Introduction
Kakuzo Okakura (1862-1913) was a famous Japanese art historian, philosopher, educator and writer.< His masterpiece, The Book of Tea, is a book about the Japanese tea ceremony and Eastern philosophy.
Since its publication in 1906, it has been loved by readers all over the world.<
Personal basic information Okakura was born into a samurai family in Yokohama, Japan.
His family background provided him with a good educational environment, which made him have a strong interest in art and culture since he was a child.<
Education and career background Okakura studied philosophy and art history at Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo).
After graduation, he worked in education in Japan and the United States, served as an Asian art consultant for the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and taught art history at Tokyo Imperial University.<
Writing career Okakura's writing career began in the late 19th century, and his works cover a wide range of fields such as art history, philosophy, and cultural criticism.
In addition to The Book of Tea, he also wrote many works such as The Ideals of the East.<
Style and Theme of Works Okakura Tenshin's writing style is known for its profound and philosophical nature.
The themes of his works mostly focus on Eastern culture, especially Japanese culture, and explore the relationship between art, religion, philosophy and daily life.<
Personal Life Okakura Tenshin's personal life is relatively low-key.
He devotes most of his time and energy to academic research and writing.< His family life and personal interests are little known.
Social Influence Okakura Tenshin's works had a profound impact on the Western world in the early 20th century, and he is considered one of the pioneers of the spread of Japanese culture in the West.
< The Book of Tea is particularly popular among Western readers and is regarded as a classic for understanding Japanese culture and the tea ceremony.Quotes and Comments The Book of Tea was praised by the New York Times as "a masterpiece that reveals the essence of Eastern philosophy.
< " Art historian John Douglas Fairbank commented that Okakura Tenshin was "an outstanding messenger who introduced Eastern art to the Western world." ### Latest News Although Okakura Tenshin has passed away for many years, his works are still widely concerned.< In recent years, with the increasing interest in Eastern culture, his books have become a hot topic again, and many publishers have launched new editions and translated editions.
Okakura Tenshin's life is a model of profound understanding and dissemination of Eastern culture.< His works not only enrich the diversity of world culture, but also provide valuable academic resources and thinking perspectives for future generations.
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