The Book of Tea facts for kids

The Book of Tea (Japanese: 茶の本, Cha no Hon) is a famous book written by Okakura Kakuzō. It was published in 1906. This book is a long essay that explores the important role of tea in Japanese daily life and culture.

Okakura Kakuzō wrote the book in English for people in Western countries. He learned English when he was young and was good at explaining his ideas to Western readers. In his book, he talks about Zen and Taoism. He also discusses the non-religious (or secular) parts of tea and Japanese life. The book highlights how "Teaism," which is the art of tea, taught the Japanese many things. One of the most important lessons was simplicity. Kakuzō believed that this simple way of life, inspired by tea, influenced Japanese arts and architecture.

What is Teaism?

When tea is more than just a drink, and the tea ceremony is understood deeply, it becomes "Teaism." Teaism helps people find harmony with each other and with nature. It also helps to calm the mind and heart, leading to a sense of purity.

Teaism can also describe a strong interest in tea culture and studies. It is often seen as a simple way of looking at beauty (aesthetics). However, it also offers insights into good behavior (ethics) and even deeper ideas about life. A "Teaist" is someone who enjoys or performs the art of tea and Teaism. Many cultures, like Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, have well-developed forms of Teaism.

The History of Teaism

Teaism is a mix of ideas from Taoism, Zen Buddhism, and tea itself. Okakura Kakuzō suggested that Teaism is "Taoism in disguise." This means it shows how Taoist ideas influenced Zen, and then how both influenced the Chado, or the Japanese tea ceremony. The book explains Teaism's roots in Taoism. It then shows how these ideas appear in the Chado and in Japanese culture generally.

The Way of Tea

In this sense, tea is much more than just a drink or an art form. It is deeply connected to the culture and the way people think. The terms chadao (Chinese) or chado (Japanese) are hard to translate perfectly into English. The most common and easy translation is "tea ceremony." A more direct translation is "the way of tea." The word "Teaism" often refers to the Japanese tea ceremony. Other similar terms include "tea arts" and "tea culture."

• The Illustrated Book of Tea (Okakura's classic illustrated with 17th-19th century ukiyo-e woodblock prints of Japanese tea culture). Chiang Mai: Cognoscenti Books. 2012. ASIN: B009033C6M