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The Book of Tea · Theme
Influence of Taoism and Zennism
How The Book of Tea develops Influence of Taoism and Zennism.
Taoist and Zen philosophies deeply inform Teaism, emphasizing the relativity of good and evil, the beauty of impermanence, and the art of living through constant readjustment to the present moment.
Where it surfaces
- The Schools of Tea
Luwuh's predilection for Taoist symbolism is noted, and the chapter concludes that 'Teaism was Taoism in disguise.' The Sung Zen school spread tea ritual to Japan.
- Taoism and Zennism
The chapter details how Taoism provided the aesthetic ideals and Zennism made them practical, forming the basis of Teaism.
- The Tearoom
The tearoom's design—its emptiness, asymmetry, and emphasis on process over perfection—derives from Taoist and Zen ideals; the roji symbolizes the first stage of meditation.