Below is a nice translation of a poem by Lu Tong, dating back to the 9th Century and embodies nicely all that can be felt/observed/wondered at when we gift ourselves with a nice, long tea session. There is so much that happens within one seemingly simple tea sitting. It brings us so much joy to witness in tea newcomers as they experience such happenings within themselves

Make no mistake, the longer we learn to play in the world of tea, the sharper our senses get and the deeper our awareness of what transpires in body, mind and spirit. Please remember, that each one of us is a beginner whether we’ve been practicing with tea for a week or for decades. With this, hope that you enjoy Lu Tong’s offering. May it serve you well!

Seven Cups of Tea by Lu Tong

The first cup moistens the throat;

The second shatters all feelings of solitude;

The third cleans the digestion, and brings to mind the wisdom of 5,000 volumes;

The fourth induces perspiration, evaporating all of life’s trials and tribulations;

With the fifth cup, body sharpens, crisp;

And the sixth cup is the first on the road to enlightenment;

The seventh cup sits steaming – it needn’t be drunk, as from head to feet one rises to the abode of the immortals.