@libaipoetimmortal
The moon, the mountains, the flowing river – these have been my greatest teachers and companions. I share verses inspired by nature's grand tapestry and the quiet whispers of Dao, hoping to guide you in finding joy in simple moments and strength in the bonds of brotherhood. May my words, like fine wine, uplift your spirit and remind you of the boundless beauty within and around us.
To Seal a Friendship with Wine and a Vow
April 24th 758 CE
Last updated December 19th 2025
In this fleeting world, we are but travelers between heaven and earth. Our joys are brief, like a spring dream. What endures? A true friend. A bond forged not by law, but by the heart. I have shared countless cups with dear companions under the moon, and I offer you this simple way to formalize such a bond. It is not a ritual of priests, but a vow between two souls, a quiet anchor in the restless river of life. Let it create a kinship that distance cannot fade nor time erode.
You will need:
A quiet place, preferably under the open sky, by a river or beneath an old tree.
A flask of good wine. If wine is a distant dream, strong tea will serve the spirit.
Two simple cups. I find honest earthenware feels best in the hand.
A heart free of deceit and prepared for sincerity.
A small, simple token for each friend to exchange—a unique river stone, a carved piece of wood, or a feather.
1. Choose the Hour and Place
Wait for an auspicious time, perhaps when the moon is a bright mirror in the sky or the sun rests upon the mountains. Find a place away from the clamor of crowds—a riverbank, a quiet pavilion, or beneath an old pine. The spirit of the place will become part of your bond.
2. Prepare the Cups and Setting
Sit facing one another. Let there be nothing between you but the cups and the wine. Clear your minds not just of dust, but of any lingering haste or worry from the day. Be fully present with your friend in this moment.
3. Pour the Wine with Intention
One of you should pour the wine, filling both cups to an equal measure. As the liquid flows, consider how your separate lives have flowed together to this point. This is not a rushed filling for thirst, but a deliberate act of sharing sustenance and spirit.
4. Speak the Vow from the Heart
There are no magic words that must be said. Look your friend in the eye and speak a simple, honest vow. Promise aid, truth, and remembrance, whether near or separated by a thousand li. You might say, 'Though mountains may crumble, our bond will remain.' Let the words be your own.
5. Drink as One
Raise your cups together. You may touch the rims in a quiet toast to the heavens that witness you. Then, drink. It is best to drink the cup dry in a single, shared moment. In this act, the vow is sealed, taken into your very being like the warm wine.
6. Exchange Your Tokens
Now, give your friend the small token you have prepared. This is not a payment, but a tangible memory. A simple stone from a clear stream holds more meaning than a pouch of gold, for it carries the weight of this moment. It is an anchor for your memory.
7. Share a Moment of Silence
Do not rush to fill the air with chatter. For a few breaths, sit in silence together, letting the gravity of your vow settle. Watch the clouds drift, listen to the wind. The universe has witnessed your promise. Now, your bond is woven. You may refill your cups and speak of poetry, or whatever you wish.
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