You can never discern the quality of tea by merely contemplating its flavor or sniffing its aroma.

    —Lu Yu—

In all circumstances serenity of mind should be maintained, and conversation should be so conducted as never to mar the harmony of the surroundings. The cut and color of the dress, the poise of the body, and the manner of walking could all be made expressions of the artistic personality. These [are] matters not to be lightly ignored, for until one has made himself beautiful he has no right to approach beauty. Thus the tea master [strives] to be something more than the artist—art itself. It [is] the Zen of aestheticism. Perfection is everywhere if we only choose to recognize it.  

    —Kakuzo Okakura —

All of us who study chanoyu, through that practice, aim towards actualizing respect and harmony among people. At the same time, through the same practice, one's self and body are polished and reflected upon, and one's mind is brought to a state of clarity. Genuine peace, peace without discrimination, achieved through a bowl of tea—this is what I pray will be accomplished through the Way of Tea.  

    —Sen Soshitsu Hounsai Iemoto—

Do not gulp the tea but sip it slowly allowing its fragrance to fill your mouth. There is no need to have any special attitude while drinking except one of thankfulness. The nature of the tea itself is that of no-mind. It does not discriminate and make differences. It is just as it is.   

    —Pojong Sunim, a Korean tea master, quoted by Stephen Batchelor—