The lesson of Tea making, Let Time Ferment
A few years ago, I asked a tea master a question:
“Would you prefer to participate in the tea-making process or in the crafting of tea utensils?”
He thought for a moment, then replied, “Tea-making.”
The Journey Begins
In November 2023, three months after the birth of my daughter, I visited Taiwan once again — though I can’t recall exactly how many times I’ve been there, I do remember this was my first time going up to a tea mountain. Yet, upon returning, I kept delaying the task of organizing this experience, and all that remains are a few scattered photographs.
In September 2024, I climbed the tea mountain for the second time.
This time, it was no longer a mere tourist experience of tea-making. Over three days and two nights, I came to understand Pinglin from a new perspective. Non-stop tea-making, with little rest — was I tired? Absolutely. But if I had the chance to do it again, I would, without hesitation.
As a tea master, I’m well aware that the world of tea is infinite.
The six major types of tea encompass thousands, if not tens of thousands, of varieties. Who could possibly remember them all? From theory to brewing, each step, each phase, offers countless forms and interpretations. That tea mountain trip in November of last year made me realize how much I still have to learn, and it sparked a deep desire for more opportunities to participate and grow.
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This time, I happened upon an autumn tea-making experience in Pinglin, and I signed up without hesitation.
Patience is the Philosophy of Tea
The most profound lesson from this experience? Patience.
Tea-making is a game of time. From fermentation to managing the heat, every step requires patience and silent waiting for the perfect moment.
This tea mountain journey was not just about honing my skills but also a journey of self-discovery. I came to understand that the process of making tea is not only a craft but also a form of inner cultivation. Just as the vitality of tea leaves is nurtured in the waiting, many of life’s greatest moments require us to pause and wait with patience.
Someone once asked, “What makes a good tea?”
And someone answered, “A tea that sells well is a good tea.”
//To be continued…//
