The Book of Tea


Read by Mike Rosenlof

(4.7 stars; 55 reviews)

The Book of Tea was written by Okakura Kakuzo in the early 20th century. It was first published in 1906, and has since been republished many times. - In the book, Kakuzo introduces the term Teaism and how Tea has affected nearly every aspect of Japanese culture, thought, and life. The book is noted to be accessible to Western audiences because though Kakuzo was born and raised Japanese, he was trained from a young age to speak English; and would speak it all his life, becoming proficient at communicating his thoughts in the Western Mind. In his book he elucidates such topics as Zen and Taoism, but also the secular aspects of Tea and Japanese life. The book emphasizes how Teaism taught the Japanese many things; most importantly, simplicity. Kakuzo argues that this tea-induced simplicity affected art and architecture, and he was a long-time student of the visual arts. He ends the book with a chapter on Tea Masters, and spends some time talking about Sen no Rikyu and his contribution to the Japanese Tea Ceremony. (Summary from Wikipedia) (2 hr 5 min)

Chapters

Chapters 1-2 36:39 Read by Mike Rosenlof
Chapter 3 20:50 Read by Mike Rosenlof
Chapter 4 22:51 Read by Mike Rosenlof
Chapter 5 15:15 Read by Mike Rosenlof
Chapter 6 20:35 Read by Mike Rosenlof
Chapter 7 8:50 Read by Mike Rosenlof

Reviews

Exquisite


(5 stars)

Despite some heinous mispronounciations, this made me question my entire way of life and my existence, as well as all of the beliefs that have been instilled in me during the short life I have lived so far. As a fanatic of tea, I was delighted to discover the philosophy of this drink, and will listen again in hopes of committing some of it to memory.

brilliant little book


(5 stars)

This book has a lot to say. It includes aesthetics, art, culture, the east west divide, religion, history, decoration and of course Tea! The writer has strong opinions and speaks from a place of truth and strength. He also clarified Zen for me which is no small task!

I love this


(5 stars)

thank you so much for uploading this, This book was quite a surprise to me. I didnt expect it to be a half as clever and eloquent narrative. enjoyed every bit of it

Beautiful...


(5 stars)

Great pace, great tone from the narrator. Really interesting presentation of a act that is so vital to Japanese people and how it permeates several dimensions of it's culture.

Enlightening


(5 stars)

This book strongly resonated with me in a struggle to find peace again in the day to day routines that at times grow oppressive from stress and endless rushing

informative


(5 stars)

I learned more about daoism, zenism, and asthetics than I expected to. It was very interested. I really enjoyed it!

book of tea


(3 stars)

Well narrated but not my cup of tea I'm afraid.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful book


(5 stars)