The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura - A Book Review

What a beauty this book is. 

In the first two chapters he is just bickering about how eastern philosophy is misunderstood and not respected enough by the West. It's almost embarrassing to go though when he himself agrees how this is against his culture. When he finally gets his grudge off his chest, he starts talking about Taoism and Zenism.

What you are looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

The 3rd Chapter is the soul of this book. I have already gone through it multiple times. 

1. First, the usage of words is just so poetic 

"Translation is always a treason, and as a Ming author observed, can at its best be only the reverse side of a brocade — all the threads are there, but not the subtlety of color or design."

2. So much about the history of tea that I was unaware of. At first, Tea used to be eaten as a Tea Cake. Then it was used in powdered form. Even today in tea ceremonies powdered tea is used. Then comes the dried leaves tea which we use today. 

3. Definition of God sounds similar to all other religion, it is just called Path instead. 

4. "Chinese historians have always spoken of Taoism as “the art of being in the world,” for It deals with the present". Taoism helps you look at the world as a whole, with all that is solid and the vacuum in and around it. Zen is the actual implementation of Tao. 

5. In Zen Mundane has the same greatness as spiritual.

6. Appreciation of Art is personal. If you want to appreciate art then it should speak to you individually. If you like something just because everyone else is liking it then you unable to appreciate it. One who is able to appreciate an art becomes part of the art itself. 

7. In art present is the eternal. the real appreciation of art can be done by those who make it a living influence. Thus living daily routine by highest refinement. 

Unless you have made yourself beautiful you have no right to approach beauty.

Some quotes which stayed with me:

1. "If people know of your true value, they will sell it to the highest bidder." just like slaves. 

2. We are not taught to be virtuous but to have proper behaviour. 

It's a tiny book which is packed with some highly potent ideas. Also, initiation to a new way of living when it comes to Zenism. I would request everyone to read one chapter on "Taoism and Zenism" if not the whole book.