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Kakuzo, Okakura - The Book of Tea - Origins of tea
Identifier
010776
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
The Book of Tea – Kakuzo Okakura
The name of Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, is intimately associated with the history of ‘tea’. It is written in the Chinese school manual concerning the origin of habits and customs that the ceremony of offering tea to a guest began with Kwanyin [Yin Hsi] a well known disciple of Lao Tzu, who first at the gate of the Han Pass presented to the Old philosopher a cup of the golden elixir.
We shall not stop to discuss the authenticity of such tales, which are valuable, however, as confirming the early use of the beverage by the Taoists. Our interest in Taoism and Zennism here lies mainly in those ideas regarding life and art which are so embodied in what we call teaism.
It is to be regretted that as yet there appears to be no adequate presentation of the Taoist and Zen doctrines in any foreign language, though we have had several laudable attempts.
Translation is always a treason, and as a Ming author observes, can at its best be only the reverse side of a brocade,- all the threads are there, but not the subtlety of colour or design. But, after all, what great doctrine is there which is easy to expound ?
The ancient sages never put their teachings in systematic form. They spoke in paradoxes, for they were afraid of uttering half truths.