Transcendental Medication
The name Oolong（烏龍）is often translated as black dragon, though another interpretation of Oolong is rediculous. In some ways this speaks to the spirit of tea drinking. A spirit of playfulness, joy and discovery. Although tea drinking may at times appear to be a devoutly solemn activity, it need not be. Drinking Chinese tea, and Oolong tea in particular, is a joyous and lighthearted process. It has the ability to open the heart and lift the spirit to heights previously not thought possible. In the morning or at the end of the day it has the ability to wash us clean of the stresses and strains of the day. It is an internal shower of sorts - a spiritual cleansing. Though I have met many masters across a variety of classical Chinese arts, the best of them all shared one quality. That is, they approached both their own discipline and life in general with a sense of playfulness and joy. Good tea helps us to cultivate this quality of joyfulness, so that in time we may too, like the master, come to view life as a great game - one most worthy of playing.
