Learning Zen through the Tea Ceremony

Details

Tea ceremony will be held.
Enjoy sweet and savory dishes.
Enjoy a cup of green tea prepared by a tea ceremony instructor.
The guests will be given an explanation in English about a hanging scroll that expresses the spirit of Zen.
The guests will make the tea themselves.

Our tea ceremony experience is not a mere ceremony.

Japanese Zen, martial arts, tea ceremony, and other cultures begin with learning gestures, forms, and movements. Through movement, we learn how to cultivate the mind to reach peace of mind in spite of changing circumstances.

This is not a mere ritual, but rather a way of asking questions such as "Why is such a gesture necessary? and "explanation of utensils such as kettles, tea bowls, etc." are essential to verbal communication. Our guided tours are conducted by nationally certified interpreters, who are experts in the language, and who have practiced the tea ceremony for more than five years before serving as master of the tea ceremony. This program is an opportunity to experience the tea ceremony, a way of cultivating the Japanese spirit.

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 were engaged in mutual warfare.

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). In addition, ikebana (flower arrangement) was decorated to entertain the guests.

In this well-prepared space, the pavilion master served matcha (powdered green tea). The encounter between people in the tea room is called a "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.