What is the Sound of a Teapot Brewing?
Greetings Tea Students;
As I sit in my Tea Monastery, sipping a flavorful cup of Masai Sunset Tea and hum a short mantra to the Oneness of Tea-ness (I chose a nice rooibos tea because I have a lot of meditating to do later, so I need the natural energy boost), my otherwise blank mind wanders back to an age-old question, that I thought perhaps I would share with you, my inquisitive tea seekers, today. Prepare your minds.
Now, those who have meditated, or even seen movies about meditation, probably know this one: what is the sound of one hand clapping? Well, that one is too easy, so I shall enlighten you as to what we say here at the Tea Shrine.
Why does a teacup have no handle?
Obviously, I am not talking about the modern English and American Teacups. I am speaking of the traditional teacups from the Eastern Regions, like China and Japan. Do not say something silly like “they didn’t think of them,” or “I don’t know.” Only listen to this bit of wisdom from a true Tea Master.
In the early days of tea, we realized that if our tea was too hot, we would burn our lips, as I am sure you know also. And in our wisdom, we realized that the best way to know if the tea was too hot was to actually feel the tea. With our hands.
If our teacup had a handle, we would not know if the tea was too hot before our mouths were scalded. Which, as we have established, can be painful.
I hope you have benefited from this little crumb of wisdom– it is not always the modern way that is the best one. Humbly contemplate that in your next quiet moment, as you sip your cup of green tea in a handled teacup clearly meant for Earl Grey. And know that on the Path to the Perfect Pot of Tea, you must sometimes learn from true masters in order to someday become one.
Enjoy peace and delicious tea.
Tags: Green Tea, Informational, Japan, Rooibo, tea, teacup
