The renowned tea master Sen Rikyu once
remarked that "chanoyu," the Japanese
way of tea, was nothing more than boiling
water, making tea and drinking it; however,
this simplicity is deceptive since the perfection
that the rituals of chanoyu demand, make the
practice of it a lifelong pursuit.

The canons of chanoyu, developed more than
 four centuries ago, prescribe a very formal and
elaborate etiquette to be observed by all
participants in the tea ceremony.

Responsibilities of the host involve a carefully
studied sequence of gestures and actions,
designed to achieve the greatest economy
of meaningful movements. True to its Zen
Buddhist roots, the ritual of tea emphasizes
the elimination of the unnecessary.

Selecting and arranging utensils

Choosing flowers and appropriate scroll (kakemono)

This aesthetic practice of studied simplicity,
unique to Japan, embodies in it not only the
arts of ceramics, calligraphy and flower
arranging but also philosophic principles
of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.

Chanoyu affords the opportunity to practice
and cultivate those high ideals of the human
experience. In short, chanoyu is more about
individual character and human relationships
than it is about tea.

Guests at "waiting bench"
Host in teahouse greeting guests

This meeting of friends in secluded simplicity
and naturalness, apart from the everyday
world, provides an atmosphere where the
ideals embodied in the Way of Tea may
be discovered and practiced.

To pause from the cares outside and seek
to achieve a sense of alert calm within the
walls of the tea room, listening to the sound
of boiling water soon to be combined with
powdered tea, taking pleasure in flowers
simply yet elegantly arranged, following
the brush strokes of a haiku painted on
the hanging scroll, hearing the footfalls
of the host about to enter the room and
yet aware of rustling leaves outside,
make chanoyu more than merely
another cup of tea.

Sensing and appreciating the harmony
of sight, smell and sound elevate this
occasion beyond the ordinary.

Preparing tea
Serving tea to guests

This chanoyu like all other events in life
is unique; it is an original experience in
that no two can ever or will ever be
the same. The experience of chanoyu
demands the effort of all in attendance
to make it as perfect as possible.

To strive for and to appreciate the harmony,
respect, purity and tranquility of this single
occasion that brings people together to
share tea is a microcosm of all human
experiences and the combination of
sight, sound, smell and taste
will never be reproduced
in this exact way again.

It is through the Way of Tea then that one
recognizes every human encounter is a
unique and singular occasion which will
never recur again exactly. We pass this
way but once or as the Japanese say,
"ichigo, ichi," one cup, one moment!

Chanoyu ended, guests depart



(harmony) is the positive interaction
between host and guest in the sharing of
tea or in any gathering of people. There is
a harmony in nature and in the tea utensils
and in the everyday aspects of life itself.

(respect) is the quality of under-
standing and accepting others, even though
we may not agree with them. It is the sharing
between host and guest, none of lesser or
greater rank, that makes the tea ceremony
memorable and successful.

(purity) is that ability to treat others
with an open and accepting heart.This
purity of heart is at the core of chanoyu,
enabling one to acquire respect and harmony.

(tranquility) is attained when a
person has achieved harmony, respect and
purity. He reaches a level of selflessness, a
new beginning, making it possible for him to
practice the ideals of harmony, respect and
purity beyond the confines of the tea room.

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