Morning Tea Ceremony ①.

Details

Taste traditional Japanese sweets that go well with matcha.
Experience the tea ceremony with a tea ceremony master.
Learn about the spirit of Zen as expressed in Japanese art and architecture.
Learn more about the spirit of Zen as expressed in Japanese art and architecture.

　The tea ceremony was established in the 16th century by Sen no Rikyu, who trained at the Zen sect temple Daitokuji. At that time, Japan was in the midst of a period of warfare known as the Sengoku Period. Hundreds of warrior clans spent their days fighting each other.
　However, even in such a time of war, Rikyu thought it necessary to have a place where warlords could talk with each other without weapons. This place was called a chashitsu, a space of harmony, respect, and tranquility in pursuit of simple architectural beauty. To welcome guests, the proprietor displayed hanging scrolls that expressed the spirit of Zen, such as "Chisoku" (to know one's own strength) and "Kozei Zetsu Kijin" (to be safe and sound). They also decorated the room with ikebana arrangements to entertain their guests.
　In this well-prepared space, the pavilion master served matcha (powdered green tea). The encounter between people in the tea room is called "ichikkai-ichikai," or "once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
　Even today, there are conflicts somewhere in the world. There are various causes, such as ethnic and religious differences and the pursuit of respective interests. However, even under such circumstances, we should reflect on our excessive desires and experience the spirit of Zen through the tea ceremony.