The Book of Tea

This edition includes the main works of the Japanese philosopher, art critic, and public figure Kakuzo Okakura (1863–1913) — "The Book of Tea" and "The Ideals of the East." From "The Book of Tea," the reader learns that the sense of harmony and spiritual nobility form the basis not only of Japanese art but are also central themes in the tea ceremony. As a philosopher, Okakura presents "chaísmo" — an aesthetic concept based on the tradition of tea — as a unifying idea of Japan, bridging high and folk cultures. In "The Ideals of the East," the author shows how the traditions of Shintoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism flourished in the Land of the Rising Sun, creating numerous relevant ideas concerning human life and society. The philosophy of Japan is not just a theory but a way of life and a way of feeling the world; moreover, it teaches to avoid conflicts between social groups and religions. The texts are accompanied by comments and explanations from a specialist.