The book goes on to document the history of the tea ceremony, including the three eras of tea. The book then moves in a philosophical/religious direction, focusing on Taoism and Zennism, and how these ancient philosophies are related to Teaism. With this historical context established, Okakura then delves into the specifics of the ceremony itself, including the construction of the tea room, the steps of the ceremony, the artwork that is incorporated, the state of the tea utensils, etc.