NPR.org Headlining article today...Tea Tuesdays

[Anonymous]

I didn't realize that the Salt on NPR, which covers all things food-related had this recurring program. It's called Tea Tuesdays. Here is a backlog of entries that cover topics related to tea. Some of the articles discuss the significance of tea in other countries, and some even focus on how they relate back to Chinese tea history. Pretty interesting!

http://www.npr.org/tags/388738261/tea-tuesdays

[Anonymous]

Here is another NPR interview dealing with the history of US China relations from today's Morning Edition:
http://www.npr.org/2015/04/22/401427315/bradley-s-china-mirage-portrays-a-long-running-american-mistake-in-asia

[Anonymous]

I'd like to think that I would take that journey up the mountain. I enjoy ceremonial treks that lead to enlightenment or some for of transformation. I would imagine that the point of this journey for most trekkers would fall in that vain. I can't imagine taking such an dangerous and painstaking trip just for the sake of doing it even for a cup of tea.
I am reminded of a short journey i took through a labyrinth. Many others took the same journey and it was remarkable that so many of us revealed a different experience from taking the same steps. For me it was an opportunity to release stress and worldly doubts, burdens, and worries; I was able to leave them in the labyrinth and emerge with a newness and reinvigorated purpose in life. For me that would be a similar purpose in taking the trip up Mount Hua.
As I view this through the lens of devoted Daoist, I wonder if the tourism aspect sours their treasured pilgrimage as reduced to a gimmick or a novelty to be posted on social media and newspapers to be critiqued by some, including myself who may not really get the point.
Thanks again for sharing.

[Anonymous]

I was not familiar with the term Tea Tuesday. This article was interesting to me because it amazes me the length that people will go for a religious ritual or spiritual experience. This article emphasizes the tourist experience to reach Cuiyuin Palace in Mount Hua. Mount Hua is a popular destination for thrill-seeking tourists. While the pictures are breathtaking, they are scary to me as I rather be relaxing in a beach somewhere and not worried that I can fall 7,000 feet. I am definitely not a thrill seeker, but commend those who are willing to take the journey. Mount Hua’s Taoist temple was initially built in the 2nd century B.C. The plank-walk is the path to Cuiyun Palace. Once tourist or believers arrive at the temple they enjoy a cup of tea and meditation.

I have always considered myself to be open minded, but after seeing "Samsara" and reading the article, "Tea, Tao, and Tourists- Mount Hua is Three Part Harmony", I'm gaining greater appreciation for world cultures. It reinforced the fact that I have a lot learn. Life is full of lessons that we need to grab on to.

The following is the link to the article, "Tea, Tao, and Tourist...":
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/04/21/401253598/tea-tao-and-tourists-china-s-mt-hua-is-three-part-harmony
edited by malvarenga on 4/24/2015

[Anonymous]

If I was a "thrill seeker" as the article suggest I would enjoy this trail, but I'm too scared to do that.
I recently became interested with finding different teas to drink to cure different aliments. Interesting to know that tea is the center to spirituality in this religion. Also I noticed the similarities between Taoism and Daoism, I think both "seek harmony with nature". I enjoyed the article because it gives you information about Taoism finding "the way" or "the path".

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/04/21/401253598/tea-tao-and-tourists-china-s-mt-hua-is-three-part-harmony

Pretty neat story on Mount Hua. It seems like a interesting place to visit! This mountain apparently draws many tourists and thrill-seekers for its' rich history, cultural significance, and adventurous climb. The article touches on the significance of Taoism in Chinese history and present culture but spotlights the tea ceremony you can participate in once you have completed the daring ascent up the mountain. Tea, we have noted, is such a prominent figure in Chinese culture. The article notes the significance of tea ceremonies and the "art of tea." It is not simply something you drink, but there is a mind and body experience that can create a pleasant, meditative experience.

This article reminded me of the Marco Polo tea discussion we had last night in class. It does seem suspicious that Marco Polo never once mentioned a drop about tea if he indeed lived in China for a period of time, especially since his main occupation was that of a merchant. Even if he had a distaste for tea, not only is this a loss on potential trade, but it still seems unlikely that he would not have mentioned it in passing at anytime in documents he verbalized due to its prevalence in Chinese culture.

[Anonymous]

[font=Cambria]Wow thanks dhorowitz for linking this very insightful listen, not only do I love James Bradley the author and his work, but I had no idea he was an Asian Studies major.[/font]
[font=Cambria]At the end of the interview when Inskeep asks him if he is angry....(see below) Bradley sums up my feelings exactly when he answers about missing important historical facts kept out of American schools and American history books....shame on our government for hiding the juicy truth![/font]
[font=Cambria]"the two countries still don't understand each other very well. Each, he says, is still grappling with an illusion." This is why Professor Dube gave us the funny glasses...for the same reason...China and America looking through a filtered lens at one another.[/font]
[font=Cambria]INSKEEP: Are you angry about all this?[/font]
[font=Cambria] [/font][font=Cambria]BRADLEY: I'm not angry. If I have any concern or frustration, it's that I went through the American school system. I'm a big reader. And I got a degree in East Asian history, and I'm not allowed to know any of these things. I didn't know that Mao Zedong reached out to FDR in 1945 - said I'll fly to Washington and explain I'm going to be the next Emperor, and you're supporting the wrong horse. I didn't know Mao reached out to every president after that. Finally, Nixon picked up the hint. But Mao was stretching his hand out for decades.[/font]
[font=Cambria] [/font][font=Cambria]INSKEEP: The United States finally did restore relations with China after President Richard Nixon's visit in 1972. But James Bradley, author of "The China Mirage," contends the two countries still don't understand each other very well. Each, he says, is still grappling with an illusion.[/font]
edited by hhardwick on 4/27/2015
edited by hhardwick on 4/27/2015

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