On Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:24:40 -0800 (PST), "Dominic T."
> wrote:

>On Jan 23, 2:49 pm, wrote:
>> What about approaching the tea drinking experience in a special way,
>> such as how a child might?
>>
>> To do this, I fancy pretending to act out a tea-making/drinking
>> scenario in imitation of the Japanese ceremony.
>>
>> What all the ingredients of the Japanese tea ceremony are, I'm not
>> sure. Something about two people involved in the process, which is
>> done deliberately and appreciation of living close to the earth, as in
>> days of old.
>>
>> To bring out the child-like experience, I think it should be described
>> as a performance, or play, like children do when they are imitating
>> adults in some fantasy. In fact, it would probably be good if you
>> played at making tea with a child or two, having each do his/her part,
>> then tasting the result.
>>
>> Kids are great at pretending something be done in a certain way, being
>> an actor, etc.. Also, I think kids enjoy repeating the same
>> experience. Probably, they like correcting each other, too. bookburn
>
>I'm not sure if I understand exactly what this post is getting at...
>There is nothing wrong with any flight of fancy or whimsy and everyone
>is free to enjoy tea in the way that they choose. After a few years
>into my love of tea I began to really look admiringly at the tea
>ceremony, not long after the luster began to fade and the more I
>learned and researched the less I liked. Gong Fu/Kung Fu brewing is a
>different story though and was the perfect form of enjoyment for me.
>
>That being said, I don't think there is really a way to do what you
>speak of. The tea ceremony is very complex, rooted in tradition, and
>almost robotic precision. Maybe on a very surface-level goofy/fun way
>it could be achieved, but not much more. Beyond that I'm not sure a
>kid *should* or even could understand or internalize much of anything
>to do with tea. To enjoy it, fine, to respect tea, fine, but outside
>of that I can't see it.
>
>- Dominic

One might say that imitation is a sign of respect, and that playing
at/copying is learning. Maybe children are socialized by elders, and
participating in customary practices is useful instruction?

I have to confess not knowing what kids are doing when they play, but
it does seem we all need to play. Play involves the same stress
relief and relaxation we get from tea drinking, maybe?

I don't intend to make a case for children taking part in tea ceremony
in terms of game theory, but do think they understand and internalize
stuff all the time.

Regards, bookburn