Chinese art of tea

Spiritual practicing using tea called "Sado" evolved its way in Japan. In Taiwan, mainland of China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, the similar idea of Sado called "Chagei" is getting popular. This Chagei was originated in Taiwan in the 1970th for the needs of the young people who were searching the philosophical support to fill their emptiness. First Chageikan (teahouse) was built in 1977 in Taipei. Since then the number of Chageikan was continued to increase to 3000. This type of teahouses (Cha-guan) are also getting popular in Shanghai, Hanjou, Beijing, and Hong Kong. Fine oolong teas are mainly served in these teahouses. Tea is brewed and served by following the proper steps. Basic concept of calming one's mind and serve tea is same as Japanese Chanoyu. As time goes, new types of Chagei are appeared. Performers are wearing florid outfit and using fancy and expensive tea sets, which are quite far from the original spirit of Chagei. Some people question about this showy type Chagei and complain its superficiality. China is now dynamically promoting tea drinking habits and the acknowledge of tea among the young and children. Some schools in China teach Chinese tea ceremony to children. This movement has started in Shanghai in 1992, and successfully spreading many parts of China. This is helping to providing the opportunity to understand about tea and the courtesy in general. The spiritual practice through Tea has spread to many part of Asia now. In Korea, a number of people practice tea ceremony has grown tremendously. Meanwhile there is a new style of tea drinking meeting called "Wu-wo-cha-hui". The advocator of this meeting is Taiwanese tea master Cai Rong-zhang and founded in 1989. This international meeting advocate the free-style serving and drinking of tea. People bring own tea sets and gather around outside and enjoy the tea. Every two years, the event of this free-style tea ceremony meeting is hold in different countries.

(Shigehiro Kodomari)