Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Correct me if I'm way off base, but I've seen variations of this phrase in reference to Zen or za-zen in new-agey sort of discussions. Sometimes it is mentioned in the context tea drinking around Russian samovars or in Chinese tea ceremonies to describe the value of doing something for its own inherent value –i.e. if you're thinking about tea while chopping wood, you're not really living in the present moment.

Here is a passage in The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation By Thich Nhat Hanh which is perhaps relevant. See pages 23-24.

http://books.google.com/books?id=-SuJJ7LXjvgC&pg=PA24&lpg=PA24&dq=Thich+Nhat+chop+wood+drink+tea&source=web&ots=JMRw5JM846&sig=kAU9ql8CrJryMByylQnIp90yam8&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=10&ct=result

Does this even seem close?

hello everyone,
I think Joie is correct as well. I have done a lot of reading and discovered that the "tea ceremony" is very integral in some cultures. It can be used as a clearing between two people or to show great honor and respect.