Cha Dao: Way Of Tea, Tea As A Way Of Life, The

Description:
In China, the art and practice of drinking tea is about much more than merely soaking leaves in a cup of hot water. The tradition is rooted in Daoism, and emerged from a philosophy that honoured living a life of grace and gratitude, balance and harmony, and fulfilment and enjoyment - what the ancient Chinese called Cha Dao, or the Way of Tea. Cha Dao takes us on a fascinating journey through the Way of Tea, from its origins in the sacred mountains and temples of ancient China, through its links to Daoist concepts such as Wu Wei or non-striving and the Value of Worthlessness, to the affinity between Tea Mind and the Japanese spirit of Zen. Interspersed are a liberal helping of quotes from the great tea masters of the past, anecdotes from the author's own trips to China, and traditional tea stories from China and Japan. The unique health benefits of tea are also explored, and a chapter is devoted to describing the history, characteristics and properties of 25 different tea varieties. This book will interest tea lovers, as well as those who want to learn more about tea culture, Daoist and Zen thought and practice, and Asian history and culture.

Table of Contents:
Introduction.; 1. Cha Dao: The Way of Tea.; 2. A Brief History of Tea in China.; 3. Lu Yu Meets a True Tea Master.; 4. Tea Mind/Zen Mind.; 5. Just One Flower.; 6. The Slippery Art of Wu Wei.; 7. One Last Cup.; 8. The Uncarved Block.; 9. The Man Who Knew Too Much: A Tale of Tea and Enlightenment.; 10. The Value of Worthlessness.; 11. A Daoist Tea Ceremony.; 12. Making a Cup of Tea.; 13. A Gong Fu Tea Ceremony.; 14. The Health Benefits of Tea.; 15. Types of Tea.; 16. Tea Time.; 17. A Few Last Words.; Author Info.

Author Biography:
Solala Towler is an instructor of Daoist meditation and of several styles of Qigong, including Soaring Crane Qigong, Essence Qigong, and Wuji Qigong. He has studied the Daoist arts for over 20 years, and has led many tours to China and Tibet to visit sacred mountains and temples of Daoism. He has published nine books on Qi gong and the Daoist philosophy, is a former president of the National Qigong Association, and is the editor of The Empty Vessel, a journal of Daoist philosophy and practice. To find out more about Solala's work, visit his website at www.abodetao.com.