The One Taste of Truth: Zen and the Art of Drinking Tea [Paperback]

Traditionally in China and Japan, drinking a cup of tea was an opportunity for contemplation, meditation, and an elevation of mind and spirit. Here, renowned translator William Scott Wilson distills what is singular and precious about this traditional tea culture, and he explores the fascinating connection between Zen and tea drinking. He unpacks the most common phrases from Zen and Chinese philosophy—usually found in Asia printed on hanging scrolls in tea rooms, restaurant alcoves, family rooms, and martial arts dojos—that have traditionally served as points of contemplation to encourage the appropriate atmosphere for drinking tea or silent meditation.

Part history, part philosophy, part inspirational guide,The One Taste of Truthwill connect you to the distinctive pleasure of sipping tea and allowing it to transport your mind and thoughts. This beautifully written book will appeal to tea lovers and anyone interested in tea culture, Chinese philosophy, and Zen.William Scott Wilson is the foremost translator into English of traditional Japanese texts on samurai culture. He received BA degrees from Dartmouth College and the Monterey Institute of Foreign Studies, and an MA in Japanese literary studies from the University of Washington. His best-selling books includeThe Book of Five Rings,The Unfettered Mind, andThe Lone Samurai, a biography of Miyamoto Musashi.chapter 1
Fundamentals
〇1En, or enso
This is the circle signifying the freedom, impartiality, and equality of the Buddha, in which nothing is lacking. It is the symbol of absolute or true reality, and therefore of enlight­enment. The enso is a popular subject in Zen painting, and perhaps, more than in the calligraphic art itself, is said to dem­onstrate the painter’s state of mind. It is usually executed with a single brushstroke, with the end of the brushstroke often trail­ing to meet the beginning. In this way, the enso indicates tl³’