There’s a fine line that rests at the door of culture.
This feels evermore relevant to speak to in the emergence of white washed, cherry picked cultural staples finding thriving in our Western World.
Tea very much included.
The tendency to appropriate, disrespect and misinterpret things of cultural significance is a symptom of our colonised ways, and by extension, our inability to listen beyond our desires to take up space and define selves within.
How is one to show up as a guest at this door, read the room, enter respectfully, mindfully, with the intent to listen?
Acknowledging where one draws their influence from is one way to build respect. To trace the roots to its source, to the culture(s) that hold it.
Another is to remain mindful of how soon is too soon to take it away from its home and into the hands of one for the likes of business or vanity. Or even the unversed desire to share it.
To navigate this, I believe one must learn to exist simply as a student to the way, without the need to project into what they can do with the teachings before taking them onboard.
One must learn to enquire into, before speaking on behalf of. And why one should speak in the first place.
What entitles one to take from this thing and make it their own, especially before taking adequate time to enquire and learn?
To be free of ambitious nature to achieve something, or make something. Or be something.
The student will die the master by walking the path with their ear to the ground, understanding the journey of the student is one of lifelong endeavour.
If one wishes to learn from these things, the best place to begin is in the heart of its culture.
One must learn how to listen, first and foremost.