The Seven Cups inspired from The Song of Tea

Lu T’ung a famous Chinese poet, Taoist and connoisseur of tea composed a poem ‘The Song of Tea’ in 775-835 AD. A lyrical and evocative piece that captures the essence of tea-drinking, emphasizing the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions associated with this ancient beverage.

He was gifted a rare tea by an official in the high ranks of the imperial court. He brewed the tea and enjoyed numerous cups repeatedly. He was so moved by this experience, he felt the tea transform him from within.

 Below is a part of the poem which talks about the seven cups of tea he brewed and his experience with each of them.

 The first bowl moistens my lips and throat.

The second bowl banishes my loneliness and melancholy.

The third bowl penetrates my withered entrails,
finding nothing except a literary core of five thousand scrolls.

The fourth bowl raises a light perspiration,
casting life’s inequities out through my pores.

The fifth bowl purifies my flesh and bones.

The sixth bowl makes me one with the immortal, feathered spirits.

The seventh bowl I need not drink,
feeling only a pure wind rushing beneath my wings.

 

There is something so beautiful that is captured in his experience with tea. So simple yet so deep. Taking from his experience, we have created a seven-step process for you. Should this poem resonate with you, try the steps below the next time you sit down for a cup of tea. Feel free to experiment with numerous cups of tea or even consider each sip as a step.

First sip

Before you take your first sip, take a moment to connect with your breath and center yourself. Notice the anticipation that arises. Take in the aroma of the cup with your first breath and gently take your first sip. Do not rush this process. Slow is ideal.  

Second sip

Notice how the second sip makes you feel. Your state of mind and emotions at that time. See how the body responds to the second sip. Tea has the ability to make us feel held at any given time. Even if we are alone, tea can always be a companion. Always there, always strong, always supportive. Tap into this unique characteristic that tea so readily provides to us.

Third sip

At this time, let go of any thoughts that arise. Be the observer and witness them. Do not engage with them. They will pass. Give a moment of thanks to all those that have helped to bring you this cup of tea. The puckers, the packers, the blenders that have all touched this tea and shared their love, warmth and energy with it to give you a moment of calm.

Fourth sip

Let go of your worries and allow the tea to cleanse your soul. There is something in the quiet nature of tea, that warms the soul. It almost feels like a hug in a cup. Allow yourself to let go of the stresses of daily life. In this moment, it is just you and your tea. Embrace the stillness.

Fifth sip

Let this sip purify your soul. Close your eyes and gently feel the tea cleanse and purify all that is no longer serving you. Visualize the process. 

Sixth sip

Reflect on how the journey has been for you so far from the first cup to the sixth. Notice the changes you’ve felt in your mind and body. Check in with where you are at and how you feel in that moment.

Seventh sip

Take a moment to embrace the art of brewing tea in absolute presence. Notice the subtle changes and shifts it brought about within you. Reflect on how taking a few minutes out in the day for yourself through the medium of tea can help you. The clarity, the calmness, the stillness, change in perception or simply just being present with breath and your cup. In this moment, all else pauses. Embrace simplicity and how simple rituals can be incorporated to your daily life. This process is a form of meditation in itself.

 

At Satori, we deeply resonate with the nature of tea, how profound it is and its ability to be our strength on days we might need it the most. We would love for you to gift yourself this experience and share your thoughts with us. Write to us on sip@satoritea.in We would love to hear about your experience, maybe even connect over a cup of tea.

 

Images sourced from: Unsplash