Brewing Tea, Brewing Life: A Journey Through Four Stages

Recently, I sat down with several fellow tea enthusiasts to talk about the art of tea brewing. Around the tea table, the conversation varied—some were newcomers, others seasoned connoisseurs. Each person was at a different stage in their tea journey, facing unique challenges. These exchanges deepened our mutual respect for the simple yet profound act of making tea.

Stage One: Fearless Ignorance

In the first stage, beginners often approach tea brewing with fearless ignorance. Water boils—tea leaves go in. There’s no consideration for tea variety, water temperature, or choice of teaware. Good tea can be scalded into bitterness, or rendered flavorless as plain water. At this point, the brewer is unconcerned—if it tastes good, it’s luck; if not, the tea is to

Stage Two: Cautious Precision

Once a brewer learns about tea characteristics and brewing techniques, they enter the cautious precision stage. Thermometers, timers, and digital scales become essential tools. Every step is executed according to a “perfect formula.” The results are consistent, but the tea loses its spirit. Both brewer and tea are trapped within the rigid framework.

Stage Three: Responding to the Tea

With experience, the brewer learns to respond to the tea. The leaves themselves dictate the approach—choice of teaware, water temperature, and pouring technique adjust to their unfolding state. The moment the tea touches the palate, the terroir and craftsmanship are apparent. A skilled brewer can even compensate for slight imperfections in the leaves through their method.

Stage Four: Harmony of Heart and Tea

At the highest level—harmony of heart and tea—technique serves compassion. For elders, aged Pu-erh might be brewed at a gentler temperature. For a restless guest, white porcelain gaiwan and quick infusions, perhaps with a few ice cubes, calm the mood. In winter, warm tea comforts the body; in summer, fresh tea clears the mind. Brewing is no longer about technique—it’s about caring for the person before you.

Tea and Life

In truth, tea brewing mirrors life itself. From fearless ignorance to complete harmony, each pot of tea becomes a moment of self-refinement. In the aroma and flavor of the tea, brewer and leaves reflect one another—each shaping, and completing, the other.