First, go to Ryoshinji Zen Temple. With a good group of people. With good cooks among them. On a bright, bright sun shiny day.

Then press your thumbnail into a new and soft green stem—and pluck!

When you pluck, aim for three or so fresh green leaves.

And then pluck, pluck, pluck, pluck, pluck, pluck, pluck—hopefully until you’ve plucked enough tea so that everyone in the world can relax with at least a cup or two. Or until the field’s all plucked up. Or until you get tired. Or until whoever’s in charge tells you to stop.

And then look around . . . and pluck! Pluck, pluck, pluck, pluck, pluck, pluck, pluck.

Like this.

Pluck!

Pluck!

Pluck!

Pluck!

Pluck!

Pluck!

Pluck!

Pluck!

Pluck!

Pluck!

Pluck!

And then pat yourself on the back. You did a good job. Think about all the things you plucked. Think about all the smiling faces on all those who drink what you plucked. . . . And realize that there are always going to be more leaves to pluck. This day or another.