Good tea purifies the Body, Heart & Soul

Good tea purifies the body heart and soul, it connects us with the greater forces in the universe - bridging the divide between heaven and earth.

It is not merely a healthy and delicious beverage, but is in fact a gift from God.

We drink tea, not to simply quench our thirst, to lubricate conversation, or to satisfy our senses - nor to we pursue it simply to show how sophisticated we are.

"Tea and the Tao" translated by Erick Smithe & James Von Holt

We drink tea, because tea helps us to very quickly relax - to sink into stillness - to become purified - raised up - and retake the path back to the spiritual home country.

Tea is in itself a kind of energy.

The “Tao of Tea” that we speak of, makes use of the energy present in tea to assist us in reconnecting with the power station of the Universe and thus awaken our slumbering soul.

We unite ourselves with this almighty essence - a force which thoughts cannot contain - a power that is exceeds all limits of the mind.

These words, on the surface may appear very strange, but after reading ‘Tea and the Tao’ they will seem much more reasonable.

This text is an extract of my co-written and co-translated with James Von Holt book called "Tea and the Tao".

Send me a message if you want to read more of it.

Erick Smithe

Tea bends Time

Tea -- the ritual, practice and ingesting of it -- alters both our perception of and our relationship to Time.

Drawing paralells to fighting Taichi, and other internal forms of martial art, we practice slowly so that we might then in turn move at the speed of the mind.

Tea ritual which is often maligned by the confused and uninitiated as being slow, boring, or effete, has the power to move both heaven and earth -- bending reality to suit the whim of those who truly know their way around a teapot.

The amount of time, patience and practice required to attain such levels of great skill or gongfu, is dependent entirely on the individual. It could happen overnight, over the course of years, or even

several incarnations. As with most things worth learning, the main barrier to entry is the knowledge such power is available in the first place.

The Dao De Jing (a Chinese classic text which is also a foundational work of Taoism written around 400 BC and credited to the sage Laozi) implies it, the Upanishads proclaim it boldly. There is certainly time and place for both quiet and bombastic approaches.

Original Dao De Jing

The stated goal of the ancient arts, which here I extend to all worthy candidates -- art, music, poetry, gardening -- is to transcend the limits of not only the body, but of Time and Space. Far fetched perhaps to those still living a refusal to the call of the Heroic journey, commonplace for those brave enough to wreath themselves in life rich & effulgent tapestry.

To move forward quietly, humbly, nobly -- as if unseen -- this is often suggested as the safest rout up the mountain. The summit of which having once been reached, we may then walk upon the air, and soar with the ancient gods of thunder and wind at our backs.

Good tea beckons us to embrace our birthright of magnificence.

Written after drinking three small cups of Man Song.

Check our Shop here to see what tea resonates the most with your silent quest.

Sacred Mountains of Taoism: Exploring the Mystical Peaks of China

Nestled amidst the vast and diverse landscape of China, the Sacred Mountains of Taoism stand as silent sentinels, echoing the ancient wisdom of Taoist philosophy. These mystical peaks, imbued with spiritual significance, have drawn pilgrims, philosophers, and seekers of enlightenment for centuries. Let's embark on a journey to discover the essence of Taoism through the exploration of the Four Most Famous Taoist Peaks in China.

1. Mount Hua (Huashan): The Western Peak of Transformation

As one of the Five Great Mountains of China, Mount Hua, also known as Huashan, stands majestically in the Shaanxi province. Regarded as the Western Peak in Taoist tradition, Mount Hua is renowned for its steep cliffs, narrow pathways, and breathtaking vistas. Taoist hermits and monks have sought solace in its caves, contemplating the ever-changing nature of existence. The treacherous ascent to the mountain's summits is considered a symbolic journey of self-discovery, reflecting the transformative nature of the Tao.

Mount Hua - Huashan in China

1. Mount Tai (Taishan): The Eastern Peak of Sunrise

In the eastern part of China, the revered Mount Tai, or Taishan, rises above the landscape with a commanding presence. Known as the Eastern Peak in Taoism, Mount Tai is associated with the rising sun and renewal. Emperors of ancient China undertook pilgrimages to Mount Tai to seek blessings for their reigns, emphasizing the harmonious connection between the ruler and the Tao. The mountain's grandeur and historical significance make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cultural symbol of Chinese civilization.

1. Mount Heng (Hengshan): The Southern Peak of Stability

Located in the southern part of China, Mount Heng, or Hengshan, is revered as the Southern Peak in Taoist tradition. This mountain is characterized by its tranquil surroundings and ancient temples, serving as a place of spiritual reflection and stability. Taoist sages have long regarded Mount Heng as a symbol of grounding and balance, emphasizing the importance of harmony with the natural order. The sacred energy that permeates the mountain invites visitors to connect with the essence of Tao and find tranquility amid life's tumultuous journey.

1. Mount Song (Songshan): The Central Peak of Centering

Nestled in the central plains of China, Mount Song, or Songshan, holds the title of the Central Peak in Taoist cosmology. Embraced by dense forests and steep slopes, Mount Song is home to the famous Shaolin Monastery, a bastion of martial arts and Zen Buddhism. The mountain embodies the Taoist principle of centering, emphasizing the importance of finding inner balance amidst the chaos of the external world. Pilgrims and practitioners visit Mount Song to seek enlightenment, martial arts mastery, and a deeper understanding of the Tao.

The Sacred Mountains of Taoism stand as living testaments to the enduring wisdom and spiritual depth of Taoist philosophy. As we journey through Mount Hua, Mount Tai, Mount Heng, and Mount Song, we discover not only the physical beauty of these peaks but also the profound insights they offer into the nature of existence. These mountains beckon us to embark on a pilgrimage of the soul, reminding us that in the stillness of nature, we can uncover the eternal truths of the Tao.