Virtues of Teaism

  Purity, harmony, mutual charity, romanticism of the social order, hygiene, economics, moral geometry, eastern democracy, simplicity (minimalism for us moderns), self-realization, refinement, a sacred function between guest and host, Daoism in disguise… are but many of the virtues found in Teaism. I truly want to bring the Eastern spirit of Teaism to the West in and through my life. The virtues, and ideals of teaism are ones that I adamantly admire. I’ve found my vocation in Teaism.

   Tea allows us to take a break from our hyper-consumer cultures, economic necessities, and the entire chatter of the world. It is no wonder that a Zen monk once claimed, “Serenity can be found in a bowl of tea”. I have found absolute faith in Chado, the Japanese word expressing tea way. There’s a deep comfort in the realization.

  I’ve noticed that I have not encountered one tea bar here in the cosmopolitan Tel Aviv. But the cafes (bait qafe) here seem more enjoyable in contrast to those of the States. I love the musical atmosphere which tends to highlight some sort of electronic sound. It reminds me of how dull, redundant, and simply played out pop music is in the United States. The American pop that Israel does import is actuall classic pop that doesn’t get played on American radio but needs to be. But it does seem American pop sounds better in Israel.