Tea Life, Tea Mind

by S-Oshitsu Sen

In this text, Soshitsu Sen XV, the retired grand master of the Urasenke school of tea, tells how he mastered Chado, "The Way of Tea".

Genres: Tea, Nonfiction, Japan, Philosophy, Spirituality, Zen

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Alex]

This is an oddly exceptional book. In a very simple way, Tea Grand Master Sōshitsu Sen XV, introduces you into the Chado, The Way of Tea as understood in Japan. The way he blends tea with the Dao and Zen is beautiful. I guess this book isn't for everyone, but for those interested in Japanese culture and Zen, it's a definite must. Zen and tea go hand in hand in both China and Japan and have shaped both its philosophy and art.

A monk sips morning tea
A monk sips morning tea,
it’s quiet,
the chrysanthemum’s flowering.

Basho

[Effy H]

A very beautifully written book connecting the philosophies of Zen Buddhism to the traditional Japanese Tea ceremony. I highly recommend it to anyone who would like to learn about Zen in an easy and uncomplicated manner, as the book is short and easy to read. It's my second time reading this book, and it serves as a great reminder to meet every occurrence of each day with a clear mind, in a composed state. This book brings peace to my soul.

[yunuen]

Furyu - wind flow

the taste of tea is not about the tea its pretty much about being a person and living as a person within your means/technologies (as in items not actual phones) and inviting all to your table not as a leader but as a friend

loved it, tea time

[Lidian]

後で洗濯物をたたんで「あ、この服も私の父親の努力結果だね」と考えずにはいられなかった．お茶に，それとこの世界の入ってもの感謝する
After reading this I was folding my laundry and thinking "wow these too are the results of my dad's hard work...". Maybe everything is a mere matter of perspective and tea is an fascinating outlet to explore this. Even just a cup of tea can make life better. For this I think I should be more grateful :)

[Martin Grunseit]

This was the most enjoyable book I have read all year. The author is directly descended from Japan's most legendary tea master, Sen No Rikyu, and was head of the Urasenke tea school, the country's foremost tea school. A lot to live up to, and no guarantee of literary quality. Fortunately the refined elegance of decades of tea ceremony experience is evident on nearly every page. I say "nearly" because the book concludes with a short interview with Sen Soshitsu and an economist which, although of some academic interest, seems very dull after what has gone before.
Chado is permeated with Zen Buddhism, and this book radiated clarity and sense, as well as profound thoughtfulness for other people and nature, making it a delightful primer on Zen and a continuous reminder of how the Way of Tea has deeply influenced Japanese society.
A great book for the tea enthusiast, or just anyone looking for a richer life.

[Elena Petrova]

Reading this book was a true spiritual journey.

[Katerina Karasova]

Nádherný příběh o Cestě čaje jako životní filosofii a učení. Tato kniha není o přípravách čaje, ale o tom, co znamená žít v duchu Cesty čaje, jaké jsou zvyklosti a historický vývoj učení, které se čaje v Japonsku týkalo.

Pro mne osobně bylo důležité uvědomění rozdílnosti kultur a tato kniha je malé okno, kterým do japonské kultury můžeme skrz čaj nahlédnout. Zajímavé jsou hodnoty, které učenci následují a jsou podle mne důležité nejen při praktikování Cesty čaje, ale měly by se stát také součástí nás v Evropě.

[Linda]

I read it to learn more about The Way of Tea. It became a study in service and a lesson in meditation. I carry it with me often.

[Natalio Cardoso]

El maestro de té Sōshitsu Sen nos acerca de una forma práctica y poética al espíritu de esta bebida milenaria. Imprescindible para amantes del té y de la cultura japonesa.

[Barb]

This was a lovely meditative book I read for my Japanese culture book club. It gave wonderful examples of Buddhist beliefs and stories and talked of achieving zen. "With a bowl of tea, peace can surely spread." Harmony, Respect, Purity, Tranquility--more than just words. This was an easily read short book. I very much appreciated the section on mistakes, as the tea ceremony seems to be so exact and I know I could not live up to the perfection I thought was expected. Not so. This book will make for an excellent discussion.

[Meakin Armstrong]

An excellent book that answers all questions about the Japanese and tea. I wrote about an odd event that happened with a copy of this book, here: https://mrbellersneighborhood.com/200...

[Monty Lawton]

1 of the finest books on mindfulness. The lessons contained can pertain to any task or moment of crisis.I

[jayna]

Read as part of my Chado class curriculum. Very well written!

[Christeyn Fremont]

The Way of Tea - a practice that combines the philosophy of zen with the practice of Tea, with the goal of finding peace through sharing a bowl of tea.

The four principles for The Way of Tea are:
1. Humility
2. Respect
3. Purity
4. Tranquility

Each is broken down in the introduction and emphasized in each chapter through stories, poems, instructions and more! But what I found most interesting was how connected these are with my Tang Soo Do training - and the ultimate goal - being one with nature.

Having finished this book, I have a lot to reflect on and, am looking forward to it to see how I can incorporate The Way of Tea into my ways of thinking and being.

[Tara]

This book was written by the 15th Grand Tea master in the lineage of Sen Rikyu, who was the most revered person in Japanese tea history back in I believe the 1500's. It is a beautifully written book that explains the history, the basics of the actual ceremony, the aesthetics and the spiritual principles. It's one of the best books that I have seen on the subject. The author has spent his life travelling around the world - starting after WWII, spreading peace through a cup of tea.

[Gabriel]

An interesting look at life through the eyes of a Japanese Tea Master. "Tea Mind" is an inspiring state of mind.

[Joe]

A quite good look at the Japanese Tea Ceremony. S-Oshitsu Sen does a nice job of explaining the history, execution, and philosophy of the tea ceremony.

[Micha]

How to drink and serve tea. Also began my studies into The Way of Tea. A very nice read for both Zen & tea drinkers alike.

[Cody]

This was a very friendly, succinct introduction into the Urasenke school of the Tea Ceremony. I found it very approachable and definitely made me interested in exploring more of the Way of Tea.

[Matthew Jackson]

Review at book review – ‘Tea Life, Tea Mind’ | matthew e jackson
https://matthewejackson.wordpress.com...

[Jordan Belville]

Absolutely incredible. As a student of Urasenke this was very enlightening and thought provoking. Great great read.