On Zhu Xi’s Aesthetic Ideology of “ Deciphering Ethics from Tea-drinking”

For centuries, the literati in China considered tea-drinking not merely a sensual enjoyment to quench the thirst and refresh the spirit, but also a poetic and artistic engagement to savor and decipher life. The aesthetic theorem of the great scholar Zhu Xi gives a profound rendition on learning ethic fundamentals through the national pastime activity of tea-drinking. Using the tea-drinking metaphor, Zhu’s belief in taking it as a venue to understand as well as a tool to teach ethics is discussed in this article. His ageless thought not only reflects the view of intellectuals in the ancient Song Dynasty on the true meaning of beauty, but also enlightens the contemporary consumers on the aesthetic implication of Chinese tea culture.