On the Meta-Level Framework for Evaluating Tea
1.On Evaluating Tea
When we think of evaluating tea, sensory elements such as flavor and aroma come to mind. These elements are common perspectives for directly perceiving and comparing the quality of tea using the five senses and basic taste elements. However, the way we appreciate tea extends beyond these superficial evaluations, encompassing more profound and complex dimensions and levels. This document examines the perspectives for evaluating tea on a meta-level, going beyond the conventional dimensions and levels of flavor evaluation.
This meta-level evaluation aims to present a world that can be sensed through tea, transcending its enjoyment as a mere indulgence, and to articulate points of evaluation for tasting or selecting tea.
2.The Essential Meaning of Drinking Tea
The essence of drinking tea can be traced back to its original role as a “detoxifier.” This origin is attributed to Shennong, a legendary ancient Chinese emperor who is said to have tried hundreds of plants and herbs, demonstrating their usefulness to people. One day, after accidentally ingesting poison, Shennong boiled nearby tea leaves and drank the brew, feeling the toxins in his body cleanse away. This experience marked the discovery of tea’s benefits, leading to its spread as a detoxifying agent. This idea of tea as a detoxifier suggests a meaning that goes beyond mere taste, sweetness, or aromatic pleasure.
In conclusion, I feel that tea fulfills the role of "connecting the body with Heaven, where the purpose of life is to fulfill one’s destiny, and tea serves to correct any imbalance in this process."
To further develop this idea, I draw upon classical Chinese philosophy, utilizing concepts and terms from Confucianism’s “Doctrine of the Mean,” Daoism’s “Dao” (the Way), Neo-Confucianism’s “Principle,” and Wang Yangming’s emphasis on “Action,” each of which plays a crucial role in the essential meaning of drinking tea.
3.Structure and Overview of Levels
With the essential meaning of tea in mind, I have organized the benefits gained from drinking tea into multiple levels. These levels serve as a framework for evaluating tea, from the first to the ninth level, spanning from the foundational experience of flavor to dimensions involving the body, mind, connection with nature, and even the impact on surroundings and society, creating a comprehensive perspective for evaluation.
LevelLevel NameSummaryFirst LevelFlavorSensory beauty through the five sensesSecond LevelSensationSensations beyond the five sensesThird LevelTea EnergyAwareness of tea energyFourth LevelMeanDynamic harmony and balanceFifth LevelCirculationInteraction with Heaven and EarthSixth LevelWell-beingEnhancement and promotion of healthSeventh LevelActionBehavioral change through introspectionEighth LevelHarmonyPositive influence and spread of harmonyNinth LevelPhenomenaTransformation and sustainable cycles
First Level: Flavor – Sensory beauty through the five senses
Flavor is the beginning of the aesthetic experience of tea. The flavor and aroma that spread as soon as tea enters the mouth, along with the lingering aftertaste, allow us to feel the breath of nature through our five senses. The subtle balance within the taste, such as the pure scent of grass or the roasted fragrance, reflects a form of “harmony” where the character of the tea leaf blends with the atmosphere. A sip of tea transcends taste and smell, enriching the heart with a deep sense of beauty.Second Level: Sensation – Sensations beyond the five senses
The experience of tasting tea goes beyond mere flavor and aroma, becoming a “tactile” sensation that spreads throughout the body. The warmth and clarity that expand as the tea slips down the throat bring comfort, creating a sense of oneness with nature. This is also a sensation of “self-dissolution,” where the boundary between oneself and nature melts away, allowing a profound connection between mind and body. The smoothness felt in the throat and the warmth and purity felt from within give a sense of the connection between self and nature.Third Level: Tea Energy – Awareness of tea energy
Tea can create a sense of the flow of “Qi” (vital energy) circulating within the body upon drinking. This experience includes a sense of focus and stability born from the “resonance” of body and mind. Tea energy gently opens the heart, bringing a calm strength as if one is united with the energy of nature. Sensing this invisible flow of energy, one becomes aware of their harmony with the rhythm of nature.Fourth Level: Mean – Dynamic harmony and balance
Tea helps restore the “balance” of mind and body. This sense of the “mean” is a state of stability born in a harmony that is neither excessive nor deficient. The balance brought by tea is not temporary but a “dynamic stability” adjusted to the changes of daily life, nurturing the ability to maintain internal and external harmony consciously. Through this harmony provided by tea, mind and body synchronize, allowing gentle engagement with the world.Fifth Level: Circulation – Interaction with Heaven and Earth
The sensation gained from drinking tea can be felt as the “circulation of Qi” between Heaven, Earth, and humans. In moments when the body exchanges energy with nature, one may feel as though they breathe alongside Heaven and Earth. This sense of harmony with nature through tea allows one to experience a deeper sense of “harmony” in life by realizing this “circulation,” receiving and giving energy to nature.Sixth Level: Well-being – Promotion of health
Tea has the “nourishing” power to bring tranquility and vitality to both mind and body. The health promoted through mind and body harmony does more than manage health—it supports a “practical way of living” aligned with nature’s rhythm. Through tea, the resonance of “inner health” and “outer harmony” cultivates a sense of safety and the peace of a life in coexistence with nature.Seventh Level: Action – Behavioral change through introspection
The “introspection” encouraged by drinking tea clears away the distractions of daily life, providing a chance to focus on one’s inner “purpose.” The calmness brought by tea deepens insights into one’s role and path, leading to actions with “meaning.” In this way, the inner voice translates into outward actions, guiding one towards appropriate behavior.Eighth Level: Harmony – Positive influence and spread of harmony
The stability and health gained from tea spread as a “ripple” to the surroundings. Calmness and kindness are conveyed to others, resonating among family, friends, and society. The waves of harmony created by tea extend from the individual to the surrounding people and the community, guiding our relationships towards deeper “harmony.”Ninth Level: Phenomena – Transformation and sustainable cycles
The experiences and actions born from tea influence the “phenomena” around us. The quiet power of tea encourages small daily changes, which expand and bring “positive transformation” to the environment and society. This change signifies a lasting “cycle,” where self and world mutually influence and grow with each other. This cycle of transformation through tea may represent tea’s deepest meaning.
This framework illustrates the flow of experiences that begin with savoring tea, spreading to oneself, others, and the world. Each level’s unique keywords delve into the essence of the experience, showing how we harmonize with the world and enrich our daily lives through tea.
4. Specific Evaluation Perspectives for Each Level
To evaluate each level of tea, I have organized the perspectives around three axes: “physical sensation,” “mental sensation,” and “behavioral sensation.” This structure allows for a more three-dimensional understanding of the tea experience, enabling comprehensive evaluation at each level.
First Level: Flavor – Sensory beauty through the five senses
Physical Sensation: The taste, aroma, and lingering aftertaste on the tongue. Whether the balance of bitterness and sweetness and the changes in aroma can be enjoyed through the sense of taste.
Mental Sensation: A sense of wonder and respect for the complexity and beauty of flavors that come from nature. The feeling that the heart connects with beauty, sharpening the senses.
Behavioral Sensation: A mindful approach to perceiving the flavor carefully and a relaxed drinking style to enjoy the aroma, maximizing the use of all five senses.
Second Level: Sensation – Feelings beyond the five senses
Physical Sensation: The sensation of tea sliding down the throat, the warmth spreading through the body. How one feels both inside and outside the body.
Mental Sensation: A feeling of becoming one with nature or a comforting sense of the boundary between self and nature dissolving. A sense of being enveloped by nature.
Behavioral Sensation: Drinking tea with a focus on bodily awareness, adopting an attentive posture that heightens sensitivity to one’s own sensations.
Third Level: Tea Energy – Awareness of tea energy
Physical Sensation: The warmth and energy flow as tea energy circulates through the body. The sensation of a new vitality emerging in the body when drinking tea.
Mental Sensation: A calm focus or a pleasant feeling of alignment with nature’s rhythm. The heart opens, creating a greater sense of stability.
Behavioral Sensation: Breathing calmly, allowing tea to relax both mind and body, and fostering actions that promote deep relaxation and meditative focus.
Fourth Level: Mean – Dynamic harmony and balance
Physical Sensation: The sense of balance arising in mind and body. The pleasant stability and sense of reset felt after drinking tea.
Mental Sensation: The calmness and security provided by a balance that is neither excessive nor deficient. A flexible viewpoint that avoids extremes.
Behavioral Sensation: The awareness of balance in daily life, encouraging peaceful, harmonious actions. A perspective that embraces moderation.
Fifth Level: Circulation – Exchange with Heaven and Earth
Physical Sensation: A sense of circulation as one exchanges energy with Heaven and Earth as a part of nature. The activation and expansion of the body’s sensation through tea.
Mental Sensation: A feeling of connection to Heaven and Earth, a sense of being part of the vast natural flow. A rising sense of gratitude and appreciation for the meaning of life.
Behavioral Sensation: An awareness of being part of the energy cycle, cherishing connections with nature and others.
Sixth Level: Well-being – Improvement and promotion of health
Physical Sensation: The refreshing and invigorating feeling brought by tea. Inner changes, such as the effects of antioxidants.
Mental Sensation: The calmness and peace that a healthy mind and body bring. A sense of spaciousness in life and a feeling of fulfillment.
Behavioral Sensation: Revisiting lifestyle habits and mindset to maintain health and harmony, taking practical actions in daily life to sustain well-being.
Seventh Level: Action – Behavioral change through introspection
Here, tea is enjoyed more richly when shared with others.Physical Sensation: The stability of mind and body provides the strength to pursue one’s path. The feeling of inner calmness from drinking tea.
Mental Sensation: Reflection on one’s role and purpose, facing one’s inner self. Insights into understanding what one truly seeks.
Behavioral Sensation: A rising desire to act in line with one’s mission, guiding one toward meaningful actions in reality. Conscious engagement in actions with purpose.
Eighth Level: Harmony – Positive influence and spread of harmony
Physical Sensation: The harmony of mind and body expands to those around, creating resonance with others. The stability within oneself facilitates harmony with the surrounding environment.
Mental Sensation: The peace of mind gained spreads to others, leading to warm relationships and community growth. The feeling of creating a calm influence on others.
Behavioral Sensation: Actions based on the harmony and stability attained through tea, conveying kindness and warmth to those around. The spreading of a harmonious spirit to others.
Ninth Level: Phenomena – Changes and sustainable cycles
Physical Sensation: A sense of fulfillment as one feels the “cycle” of how their actions bring change to those around, which in turn reflects back to oneself.
Mental Sensation: Acting through tea creates positive effects that spread to the environment and people, promoting harmony throughout society.
Behavioral Sensation: A commitment to continued action to bring about small changes, consciously creating a cycle that connects the individual to society and back from society to the individual.
By dividing each level into the three sensations of "physical," "mental," and "behavioral," we can more directly evaluate the effects that tea brings to us. By including interpersonal relationships in the evaluation elements from the seventh level onward, we can evaluate shared “harmony” and “influence” between individuals. The process in which oneself and others resonate through tea, ultimately spreading harmony to society as a whole, becomes clear, highlighting a situation where individuals and society grow together in a continuous cycle.
5.Conclusion
Through the act of drinking tea, we re-affirm ourselves as part of nature and restore our unity with Heaven and Earth. This profound experience not only contributes to physical and mental health but also leads to spiritual awakening, social harmony, and actions in alignment with our destiny. Tea is more than a mere indulgence; it is a tool for enriching life itself, guiding us in how we ought to live. By deeply exploring the power of tea and the experiences it offers, we believe that we can draw closer to a richer existence as human beings.