Quote

One day a visitor asked Sen no Rikyu to explain the secret of performing the Japanese tea ceremony. Rikyu answered: “In summer suggest coolness, in winter a feeling of warmth. Lay the charcoal so that it heats the water, and make a pleasing bowl of tea. That is all.” The guest was disappointed, however, and complained, “But everyone knows that.” Rikyu only replied, “Serve tea in this way and perhaps I will become your student.”

Taken from Seeds of a Birch Tree by Clark Strand