Category Archives for Literature
Water as Metaphor
Once, the philosopher Confucius (a.k.a. Master Kong, circa 551–479 B.C.E.), stood staring intently at water flowing eastward. A disciple saw him and posed a question, addressing the sage as Gentleman: “Why, when the Gentleman sees a great body of … Continue reading
First Spring Under Heaven
In 1784, the Qianlong emperor (1711–1799, reign 1735–1796) composed Record of Jade Spring Mountain, First Spring Under Heaven in which he concluded his study of water and advanced Jade Spring in the hills west of Beijing as the foremost freshwater … Continue reading
Lu Yu’s Names
The Tang dynasty tea master Lu Yu 陸羽 (ca. 733-804 ca.) was known in his lifetime and throughout history by many names. The following appellations provide just some of the names by which he was known during his lifetime … Continue reading
Lament at the Stupa of Jiaoran and the Tomb of Lu Yu
Meng Jiao of the Tang dynasty Accompanying Lu Cheng Back to Huzhou, I Composed a Lament to the Dead at the Stupa of Jiaoran and the Tomb of Lu Yu Pouring rain before the temple, Pale … Continue reading
Poem
Wang Fuli of the Qing Dynasty Poem Dawn flower, evening moon Worthy host, splendid guest Speaking freely of past and present Tasting tea, one after another… Between Heaven and Earth, is there anything more enjoyable? 清 王復禮 … Continue reading
Discourse Between Tea and Wine
Discourse Between Tea and Wine, ca. 742-760, one juan and preface by the Presented Prefectural Nominee, Wang Fu (ca. mid 8th century) I dare say that Shennong the Divine Cultivator tasted the Hundred Plants, and thereafter the Five Grains were … Continue reading
Offering Matching Rhymes to Pi Rixiu’s Ten Songs on Tea
Lu Guimeng of the Tang dynasty Offering Matching Rhymes to Pi Rixiu’s Ten Songs on Tea 陸龜蒙 奉和襲美茶具十詠 Tea Garden The way to tea concealed, winding round in twists and turns, A walk in the … Continue reading
An Excess of Tea
When Huan Xuan had his army, there was a commander general who — because of an epidemic — contracted a feverish illness that caused him to constantly drink tea. He had to imbibe one hu … Continue reading
Baisaō’s Verse on Tea
Kō Yūgai of the Edo Period Verse on Tea Going far to China in search of the sacred shoots Old Eisai brought them back to sow in our land The taste of Uji tea is … Continue reading
Sending Lu Hongjian Off to Pick Tea at Qixia Temple
Huangfu Ran of the Tang Sending Lu Hongjian Off to Pick Tea at Qixia Temple Gathering tea is not plucking greens: Far, far away rises the rim of the cliff. Leaves cloaked by a warm spring wind, Baskets filled by … Continue reading
Miscellaneous Rhymes on Tea
Pi Rixiu of the Tang dynasty Miscellaneous Rhymes on Tea Tea Garden At leisure, seeking Mount Yaoshi. Finding and entering the tranquil garden. Cultivating tea and creating the estate, Planting tea and planning the field. … Continue reading
Tea and the Materia Medica of Tao Hongjing
Tao Hongjing of the Liang dynasty Baiying and Kucai Baiying 白英, white flower. Its taste is sweet, its medicinal character is cold, and it is not poisonous. It cures chills and fever, the eight jaundices, … Continue reading