Sheldon Cooper has his seat cushion, located at the origin of his universe: (0,0,0,0). I have my tea.
In a world that is ever changing, filled with turmoil and destruction, tea is the one constant.
Its strength lies in its simplicity: hot water and leaves.  Its potency lies in its art.
Endless combinations: grade, oxidation, preparation, water temperature,
each cup, nay, each sip a different experience.
With the first sip you are a visitor, with the last you are at home.









Some complain that if they drink tea they cannot sleep, but to them I
would say that it is better to go without sleep than without tea.
-- Natsume Soseki (1906)

The mountains hold the sky.
The melting snow causes silver
rivers clear and deep. Filling my
pot with water for tea, soon I
will transcend from the realm
of form to the formless realm.
In a moment of perfect fluidity,
all entanglement will cease.
This is drinking tea.
-- Minister of Travel, Republic of Tea

The whole problem with civilization is that we've been trying
to squeeze the mind into the brain and it won't fit.
The great gift of the leaf is that it relaxes the brain, freeing it
to float to its true home in the boundless and inexhaustible--
the sublime state we call TeaMind.
-- Minister of Leaves, Republic of Tea

Explore the variant paths of the world,
gathering wisdom from every natural thing, seen and unseen.
With each sip of tea I wash away the dust from my senses, essence
becomes complete and clear.  In my cup
I discover the flawless pearl of TeaMind.
-- Minister of Travel, Republic of Tea

Meanwhile, let us have a sip of tea.  The afternoon
glow is brightening the bamboos.  The fountains are
bubbling with delight.  The soughing of the pines is
heard in our kettle.  Let us dream of evanescence.
And linger in the beautiful foolishness of things.
-- Kakuzo Okakura

What is told may be heard, but easily forgotten.
What is shown will be seen, but not easily remembered.
For those who aspire to know the way, sip the tea.
-- Minister of Travel, Republic of Tea

I would like to make a toast
to lying, stealing, cheating and drinking.
If you're going to lie, lie for a friend.
If you're going to steal, steal a heart.
If you're going to cheat, cheat death.
And if you're going to drink, drink with me.
-- Irish saying


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