Bai Juyi: Tea as a Simple Pleasure in Daily Life
Bai Juyi (白居易) (772–846), a renowned Tang Dynasty poet, was known for his accessible, heartfelt poetry about the everyday experiences of life. Unlike the wild escapism of Li Bai or the mystic serenity of Wang Wei, Bai Juyi’s poems often focus on ordinary pleasures—including tea. His poetry reflects a deep appreciation for the small joys of life, such as sharing tea with friends, savoring moments of solitude, and finding comfort in the simple routines of daily living.
Tea as a Simple Pleasure in Daily Life
Bai Juyi loved finding joy in the mundane. For him, drinking tea wasn’t a grand ritual but a natural part of everyday life—something to enjoy slowly, savoring each moment.
"A clay stove, a bamboo chair,
A kettle boils, and tea fills my cup."
These simple descriptions reflect Bai Juyi’s philosophy of life: happiness can be found in small, ordinary things, such as a quiet moment with a warm cup of tea. He saw no need for extravagance—tea itself was enough.
Tea and Solitude: Peace in Simplicity
Many of Bai Juyi’s poems are about moments of solitude, where tea offers comfort and companionship. Tea was a way for him to slow down and reflect on life, especially during periods of exile or when dealing with the challenges of aging.
"Sitting by the window, brewing tea alone,
The fragrance rises, and the worries fade."
For Bai Juyi, tea brought peace. It allowed him to let go of troubles and appreciate the beauty of the present moment—reminding us that happiness can be as simple as a sip of tea on a quiet afternoon.
Tea and Friendship: Shared Moments of Warmth
Bai Juyi cherished companionship, and many of his poems describe sharing tea with friends. He believed that true friendship didn’t need extravagance or loud conversation—a pot of tea and some quiet reflection were often enough.
"We meet in the shade, a kettle between us,
Talking little, yet understanding much."
These poems capture the intimacy of tea gatherings, where silence can be as meaningful as words. Bai Juyi’s tea gatherings were unpretentious, emphasizing genuine connection over ceremony.
Tea as a Comfort in Aging and Exile
Later in life, Bai Juyi experienced political exile and the challenges of old age. In these difficult times, tea became a source of solace. It represented continuity—a small, comforting ritual that remained unchanged, even when everything else in life seemed uncertain.
"Old age is near, but tea still tastes sweet.
Even in exile, it warms my heart."
Tea was a way for Bai Juyi to anchor himself in the present, helping him find peace amid the challenges of time and change.
Tea as a Symbol of Harmony with Nature
Like many poets of his time, Bai Juyi found peace in nature, and tea was often part of this experience. His poems reflect the way tea drinking harmonized with the natural world—as if the fragrance of tea and the breeze through the trees belonged to the same moment.
"On a spring morning, by a clear stream,
I brew tea and watch petals drift past."
This imagery shows how Bai Juyi used tea as a bridge to connect with nature, appreciating the simple harmony between the two.
Bai Juyi and the Gentle Art of Tea
For Bai Juyi, tea wasn’t just a drink—it was a way of living, an expression of contentment with simplicity. His poems celebrate tea as an ordinary joy, one that could offer solace in solitude, warmth in friendship, and peace amid life’s challenges. Bai Juyi’s love for tea reflects his belief in finding happiness in the little things, teaching us that life’s greatest pleasures are often the simplest—a shared cup of tea, a moment of quiet, and the company of those who understand us.
Through Bai Juyi’s poetry, we are reminded that tea is more than just a beverage: it is a way of embracing life, one sip at a time.