by Solala Towler

The art and practice of drinking tea is rooted in Daoism, and emerged from a philosophy that honored a life of grace and gratitude, balance and harmony, and fullfillment and enjoyment – what the ancient Chinese called Cha Dao, or the Way of Tea.

Cha Dao takes us on a facinating journey through the Way of Tea, from its origins in the sacred mountains and temples of China, through its links to Daosit concepts such wu wei or non-striving adn the Value of Worthlessness, to the affinity between Tea Mind and the Japanese spirit of Zen. Interspersed are a liberal helping of quotes from the great tea masters from the past, anecdotes from the author's own trips to China, and traditional tea stories from China and Japan. The unique health benefits of tea are also explored and a chapter is devoted to the history, characteristics and properties of 25 different tea varieties.

This book will interest tea lovers, as well as those who want to learn more abut tea culture, Daoist and Zen thoughtb and practice, and Asian history and culture.

Softcover, 172 pages.