The Way of Tea: Reflections on a Life with Tea

by Aaron Fisher

The Way of Tea draws upon the wisdom of ancient writings to explain how modern tea lovers can bring peace and serenity to their time with a steaming mug of their favorite beverage—and how to carry that serenity with them throughout the day.

Looking at all aspects of tea and the tea ceremony from a spiritual perspective, The Way of Tea shows readers how in the modern world the way of tea does not need to be some somber religious ceremony, but can instead be a path for anyone to experience and share inner peace, relax the ego, and be free and open—an excellent recipe for a life well lived.

Chapters

Genres: Tea, Nonfiction, China, Beverages, Japan, Spirituality, Cultural

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 10, 2010

Reviews

[Bill M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have liked to give this book a '3' but just couldn't. Overall, the content was interesting, although I found the writing style a bit tedious. I wish the author and editor had worked together to reduce repetition. More importantly, I wish the proofreader had actually performed the job. There were so many typographical errors, including a number of word omissions, that my train of thought was constantly distracted. The errors surprised me given the book came from a publisher of Tuttle's reputation. Take, for example, these two sentences in a single paragraph on page 162: "You all seem to have missed the point [said Rikyu]; the value of a piece of tea ware is reflecting in... [instead of 'reflected in']....None of the lords understood the rebuke, though there surely responded politely ['there' instead of 'they'].

[Andjelka Jankovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I never wanted to end, and one I will read again and again for the rest of my life. The Way of Tea is written by Wu De — a Zen monk, tea scholar, poet, artist and a teacher of mine. It truly is a wonderous book of reflections and musings that keep on giving long after you have read them — on life, love, stillness, discipline, compassion, virtue, and inner peace. I myself have found my way to a life of tea and it will be a life long practice that I hold in high regard and with such reverence for the leaf that gives and gives me so much; as Wu De writes “Tea unlocks quietude, presence, clarity and completion”.

[Ghia Arroyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fond of this book. I already subscribe to Aaron’s magazine subscription (Global Tea Hut) so I was excited to see what his books would bring. This book has helped me to further my practice and also given me some insight on the spiritual factors that come with a life of tea. Finished this book feeling warm and excited to take the next steps of tea practice.

[Pak · Rating 2 out of 5]

A General introduction to tea from an American author who tries his best.

[Trish Oliveros · Rating 5 out of 5]

I now appreciate tea more than coffee after reading this book: as it is teaching our souls to slow down, find calm joy and stillness.

[Pamela Hamon · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book includes a small portion on tea factoids and history, the real focus of this book is introducing the reader to tea as a mindfulness practice and tea's role in traditional mindfulness and spiritual practices of China and Japan, especially Taoism. The author is the founder of Global Tea Hut, an organization based in Taiwan fostering the greater understanding and practice of The Way of Tea to a worldwide audience. The pacing of the book and language chosen is approachable and makes it an easy read. Even if you have no belief system, you may still find a lot of value in this book, especially if you are looking for ways to develop a mindfulness practice or deepen a mindfulness practice you already have.

[Alejandro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to rate this 3.5 stars. There was a lot here I appreciated, particularly around the Tao and applying mindfulness to tea preparation. I did feel the book was hard to read. I felt it stayed at this repetitive lofty place and never delved into specifics. I felt I could have used more concrete descriptions from the writer about his journey because when he went to that place (an anecdote about a tea ceremony with his family, for example), the book came to life. Nonetheless, it's inspired me to continue exploring tea drinking as a meditative/mindfulness practice.

[Adam Yusko · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are at all interested into how Daoism and tea are intricately linked this is an amazing book. But like a lot of things relating to the Tao this book is basically a bunch of arrows trying to hint at the way, because it is impossible to actually describe the way. It also gives a wonderfully indepth look at important tea figures through history and how tea developed in China and Japan.

[R.K. Goff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from the library, so I had to read it much faster than I would have liked. It is a well written and peaceful book. It's a mix of personal essay, philosophy, Toaism, history, images, and near poetry. The author is very intense about tea. It's amazingly fun to read. I am a tea-nut, so I don't know if non-tea types will love it as much as I did, but I think it's worth a try.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and inspiring look at the history and culture of tea. It encouraged me to try some different kinds of tea and expand my experience.

The version of the book that I had needed some more editing. The numerous mistakes distracted me from the message of the book quite a few times. I would buy it if there was a new, fixed version.

[Hannah Che · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this from a friend in Taipei. It's fascinating to see the history and zen culture of tea from both a Japanese and Chinese (and Westerner's) perspective. Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, qi and dao and traditions are all in here. Fisher is reverent and writes authoritatively from personal experience.

[Christopher Kincaid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This peaceful read links mindfulness with the enjoyment of tea. I've returned to this book several times to remind me why I enjoy tea.

[Jill Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored this book. The love the author has for his subject and the wonderful quotes and stories make this a delight to read. Very inspiring and joyful

[Julie Akeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and the story about tea and how to really enjoy it. I'm not talking about tea bags here, but the loose leaf tea, besides, the teabags are whats left over after the tea sellers have bought the real leaves. Find a tea shop or natural herb store that sells whole tea like Oolong, gunpowder green, Pureh Dante (expensive but worth the try) these teas and others have full flavor and each has its' own story of how it is made to become that way. This book also features some lovely Chinese watercolors as well as beautiful photos of tea pots, leaves and some of the people involved with making them. For tea lovers like me this is a beautiful book to have in your library, read with a good cup of oolong.

[André Alves]

This book changed my life. And made me want to pursuit tea as a path to consciousness and balance. Thank you so much Aaron Fisher.