The Origin of Cha Dao, or the Tao of Tea
The earliest occurrence of the word of "Cha Dao", or the Tao of Tea, can be traced back to the literature of Jiao Ran's poem regarding the benefit of drinking tea. Starting in Tang dynasty about 1200 years ago, tea parties had become popular occasions for intellectuals and high officials. Jiao Ran was a monk and poet during the Tang dynasty. He writes in his poem, "Three cups of tea can make me understand Dao." He thinks that tea and Dao are interrelated. By appreciating Cha Dao, one can clear his mind, and understand the true nature. "This is a truth that only Dan Qiuzi, the Taoist Immortal, knows best." Today Jiao Ran is regarded as the first person to come up with the term "Cha Dao".