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 understanding 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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