Exploring Ancient Chinese Tea Poetry and Philosophy
YuanKevinPoem 1: Drinking Tea in the Green Mountain Pool with Yuan
Original:
野泉烟火白云间，
坐饮香茶爱此山。
岩下维舟不忍去，
青溪流水暮潺潺。
Translation:
The sound of wild springs and the delicate drift of smoke blend in the white clouds. I sit here, savoring fragrant tea, deeply in love with this mountain. Below the cliff, a boat is moored, reluctant to depart, as if it too wishes to stay by the gentle creek until evening.
In this poem, Ling Yi of the Tang Dynasty captures a tranquil moment shared with a friend. The boat symbolizing reluctance to leave, emphasizes the allure of nature’s simplicity, beautifully portraying tea’s role in enhancing one’s connection to the landscape.
Poem 2: Sitting and Watching the Clouds Unfold
Original:
宠辱不惊，闲看庭前花开花落；
去留无意，漫随天外云卷云舒。
Translation:
“Unaffected by honor or disgrace, I calmly watch flowers bloom and fade before the courtyard; caring not whether I stay or leave, I drift with the clouds that gather and disperse.”
This line from Cai Gen Tan by Ming scholar Hong Yingming reflects a Zen-like calmness, detached from external circumstances. It conveys the ideal of seeing life’s changes as naturally as passing clouds or blooming flowers. The philosophy aligns with tea culture’s celebration of mindfulness and detachment.
Poem 3: Nothing Like Drinking Tea
Original:
七碗受至味，一壶得真趣。
空持百千偈，不如吃茶去。
Translation:
“Seven bowls bring the ultimate taste; one pot reveals true pleasure. Empty words of countless verses cannot compare—why not simply enjoy a cup of tea?”
Attributed to the poet Lu Tong, this poem conveys a Zen message: the simplicity of drinking tea surpasses endless philosophical words. The verse reflects how everyday acts, like sipping tea, foster inner peace and satisfaction beyond intellectual debates, embodying the heart of tea culture.
