Introduction

Hello everyone!
Today you are going to spend an hour with us
to experience the traditional Japanese
culture of the tea ceremony.
The tea ceremony is a spiritual practice, a
way to deepen relationships, and a way to
bring peace and contentment into our daily
lives. There is a wealth of meaning and
profound messages contained in seemingly
simple actions.

The source of the heart of the tea ceremony is "harmony, respect, purity, and
solitude. These are the four principles that represent the spirituality of the tea
ceremony. These values are reflected not only in the tea ceremony, but
throughout Japanese culture. We would like you to keep these concepts in the
back of your mind.

和 (Wa)Harmony: To value mutual harmony.

敬(Kei)Respect: To be courteous and respectful to others.

清(Sei) purity : to keep one's mind pure and to look at things with sincerity.

寂(Jyaku)solitude :To calm one's mind and face one's inner self in silence. and
face one's inner self.

Today's Flow

In today's trial session, we will first learn about the tea ceremony and its history.
Then, you will learn the basic flow and manners of the tea ceremony, handle tea
utensils yourself, and actually drink tea.

Etiquette and safety precautions during the tea ceremony experience will also
be explained. Proper etiquette and manners are very important because the tea
ceremony is filled with mentality of respect.
At the end of the session, we will have a question and answer time, so please feel
free to ask any questions or concerns you may have.

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Overview of the Tea Ceremony

In this section, we will explain the history of the tea ceremony, the differences
between the various schools, and how it has influenced Japanese culture as a
whole. This knowledge will help you gain a deeper insight into traditional
Japanese culture.

History
The history of the tea ceremony, or
"chanoyu," reflects not only the history of
Japan, but the cultural development of
East Asia itself. The origins of the tea
ceremony date back to far ancient China,
to about the 9th century. During this
period, Chinese monks began the custom
of drinking tea as part of their
meditation. Later, this custom spread
when the monks traveled to Japan, where
it developed in its own unique way.

The tea ceremony evolved into its

present form as we know it from the 15th
to 17th centuries. This period saw the
rapid development of samurai-style
Japanese culture and the establishment of chanoyu as an important social
activity and a distinctive art form.
One notable figure of this period was the tea master Sen no Rikyu. He brought
the tea ceremony to a great height, and it has been widely accepted to this day.
Rikyu emphasized the spirit of once-in-a-lifetime encounter. This is the teaching
of "cherish each and every encounter" and strongly encourages us to treat each
moment with respect. This spirit is also woven into the basic principles of the
tea ceremony: harmony, respect, purity and solitude.

After Rikyu's death, his disciples spread his teachings and many schools were
formed. Each of these schools has its own characteristics, but all are based on
the teachings of Sen no Rikyu.

In modern times, the tea ceremony has been influenced by Westernization, but
has continued to evolve while maintaining its spirituality. For some people, the
tea ceremony has become a means of quieting the mind and seeking spirituality
and inner serenity in their daily lives.

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Understanding these characteristics of the tea ceremony contributes to a deeper
understanding of Japanese culture and history. While the meaning of the tea
ceremony is different for each individual, its rich history and spirituality can
considered like a window into a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

“Rryuha”Schools (Styles)

The world of the tea ceremony is rich in diversity, and this diversity is the result
of the various schools and their uniqueness. The major schools are Omotesenke,
Urasenke, and Mushanokoji Senke. These three schools are sometimes
collectively referred to as the Sanzenke because of their importance and
influence.
After Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered Sen no Rikyu to commit suicide, the tea
ceremony temporarily declined. However, in the Edo period (1603-1867), the
Sen family was revived, and the San-senke was founded by the descendants of
Sodan, Rikyu's son-in-law.

“Omotesenke”

History
Omotesenke is a school founded by Soza, the third son of Sotan, and is the head
family line among the three Senke schools. It is characterized by the spirit of
“Wabi-sabi” and strict adherence to ancient manners, and conveys the profound
philosophy and spirituality of the tea ceremony through strict manners and
heartfelt service, enabling one to learn the Japanese sense of beauty from its
dignified manners. Its influence and traditions are far-reaching, including its
role as an instructor of the tea ceremony for the Kishu Tokugawa family.

Formality

The use of utensils is to be simple; tea whisks are made of sooty bamboo, and
sweets containers with lids are used. The tea has to be not whisked too much,
and the tea whisk should be laid down slightly. In bowing, the hands are placed
in a figure of eight, the space between the hands is slightly open, and the body is
tilted at a 30-degree angle. In terms of manners, the tea ceremony respects
traditional norms, such as walking one tatami mat in six steps.

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“Urasenke”

History

Urasenke was founded by Soshitsu, the fourth son of Sotan. It has been widely
inherited not only by the feudal lords but also by the townspeople, and
continues to change fluidly with the times, aiming to create an open tea
ceremony that many people can enjoy. Today, the tea ceremony continues to
actively promote culture schools, school tea ceremonies, and overseas activities
to broaden the base of the tea ceremony. Akita University's tea ceremony club
has also adopted Urasenke.

Formality
The utensils used are often gorgeous, especially the tea whisk made of white
bamboo, and the sweets containers are bowls without lids. In preparing matcha,
the tea should be whisked so thoroughly that the surface of the tea is covered
with foam. There are three types of bowing, which are distinguished by their
angles (Shin, Gyou, Sou), which expresses the richness of variation in gesture.

“Mushakoji Senke”

History

The Mushanokoji Senke was founded by Somori, the second son of Sotan.
Although small in size among the three Senke families, its activities are very
extensive. The Mushanokoji Senke style is known for its rationality and
efficiency in execution.

Formality

Like Omotesenke, matcha is not whisked very much. The unique ceremony of
bowing is performed with the left hand in front of the body, the back
straightened and the head bowed. Although there are no specific rules
regarding the use of utensils, the emphasis is placed on being lean in one's
manners and the use of utensils. The tea ceremony is characterized by a
leanness of movement in every detail, such as walking one tatami mat in six
steps.

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The Tea Ceremony and Japanese Culture

The tea ceremony has deeply influenced Japanese culture through its history
and spirituality. The tea ceremony has influenced the aesthetic sense of the
Japanese people, their way of life, and
even their society, contributing to the
formation of the characteristics of
Japanese culture.
The tea ceremony's emphasis on
"harmony, respect, purity, and solitude"
and the spirit of “once-in-a-lifetime
encounter” have influenced Japanese
aesthetics, ethics, and interpersonal
relationships. The emphasis on the
values of harmony, respect, purity, and
solitude has had a profound impact on
the way Japanese people relate to each
other and communicate. In addition,
"Ichigoichie" (one life, one meeting) indicates a way of life in which each
moment is cherished, a value that is still cherished in contemporary Japanese
society.

The tea ceremony has also had a profound influence on Japanese art. The
spirituality of the tea ceremony influenced various art forms, including the
design of the tea room, the making of tea utensils, the choice of hanging scrolls,
flower arrangement, and the setting of tea ceremonies. In particular, the "wabi-
sabi" aesthetic had a profound influence on Japanese art, architecture, crafts,
and garden design. Furthermore, the tea ceremony also influenced social
institutions. Because it was widely practiced among the warrior class, it became
involved in the politics and negotiations of the feudal lords.

Especially in the Warring States period, the tea ceremony also functioned as a
social gathering. Tea ceremonies deepened friendship among lords and
sometimes functioned as a forum for peace negotiations. Warlords of the
Warring States period were able to deepen their understanding of each other
and build trust through tea ceremonies.

Tea utensils therefore came to serve as a symbol of power and status during this
period. Tea utensils that were recognized by famous tea masters became objects
of respect and envy for their owners. Tea utensils were also used as gifts and as
a means of strengthening friendly relations between lords. Thus, the tea
ceremony influenced social hierarchy and decorum.

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Basic Flow and Etiquette of the Tea Ceremony

This section describes the basic flow and etiquette

of the Urasenke school of tea ceremony.

Terms

There are many terms unique to the tea ceremony.

We have selected a few important terms and their
meanings as below.

- HERI-UCHI (inside the edge): inside of the edge of the tatami mat (the cloth
part) as seen from you.
- HERI-SOTO(outside of the edge) : outside of the edge of the tatami as seen from
you.
- Shoukyaku: The most important guest at a tea ceremony (representative of the
guests).

- Jikyaku (second guest): The second most important guest at a tea ceremony.
The tea ceremony proceeds in the following order: first guest, second guest,
third guest, and so on.

- Teishu (host): The person who hosts the tea ceremony and serves tea.

Explanation of Tea Utensils

A wide variety of utensils are used in the tea ceremony. The main tea utensils
and their uses are listed below.

Matcha=powdered green tea

- Chawan (tea bowl): A bowl used for serving and drinking matcha.

- Chasen (tea whisk): A tool made of bamboo used to whisk matcha.

- Chashaku: A bamboo spoon used to transfer matcha into a tea bowl. It is used
to measure the right amount of matcha.

- Natsume: Container used to store matcha.

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- Mizusashi: A container used to hold water before boiling water.

- Furo (or Ro) : A tool used to boil water. Depending on the season,

either a furo (summer) or a ro (winter) is used.

- Kensui: Used for washing the tea ladle and tea whisk.
These utensils show the care and artistic sense of the master and define the
atmosphere of the tea ceremony. The choice and use of these utensils is also an
important factor in showing proficiency in the tea ceremony.

Flow of a Tea Ceremony

Urasenke's “Ro-Usucha-Tatemae” is a traditional tea ceremony etiquette, and is

a tea ceremony using “Furo”. The following is a description of the flow and
etiquette of Usucha-Tatemae.

1. Preparation: The master enters the tea room, brings out the utensils to be
used, and places them in front of the guests.

2. Purifying the utensils: the utensils to be used are cleaned.

3. Making tea: make tea with the tea whisk.

4. Receiving tea: see next section for details.

5. Putting away the utensils: clean the used utensils.

6. Look at the utensils: Enjoy looking at the patterns on the tea bowl.

As shown above, there are six stages in the process of preparing the utensils,
purifying the utensils, preparing the tea, serving the tea, putting away the
utensils, and presenting the utensils for guests.

Flow of receiving tea

1. First, sweets are served. When the tea master says, "Okashi O Douzo”(Please
take a piece of sweets)" take the sweets and eat it.

a. Lift the container lightly with both hands.

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b. Place a piece of Kaishi paper inside the edge of the tatami mat(heri-uchi).

c. Place your left hand on the container and take the sweets with your right hand.

d. Wipe your hand with the edge of the paper.

e. Pass the container to the next guest (place the container between you and the
next guest).

2. When the tea bowl is served, move over to pick up the bowl (move with both
hands as support and both knees slightly elevated).

3. Place the bowl between you and the next guest. Greet he/she “Osakini”.

4. Place the tea bowl on the edge of the table and bow to the master, saying,

“Otemae Choudai Itashimasu”

5. Take the tea bowl with the right hand, place it on the left hand, and press it
with the right hand in gratitude.

6. Turn the tea bowl twice clockwise with the right hand, avoiding the front side
(about 45° turn)

7. Drink the tea in several sips, and suck out the last sip with a "zhug" sound.
8. When you have finished drinking, cleanse the tea bowl with your thumb and
index-finger, and wipe your fingers with the Kaishi paper in your Kimono.
9. Turn the tea bowl counterclockwise and place it on the outside of the tatami
edge (heri-soto).

10. Place both hands and look at a whole, then pick up the tea bowl with both
hands and look at it.

11. Finally, place the both hands again to farewell.

12. Return the tea bowl to the position from which it was served, or wait for the
person to come for it.
This is the basic flow of receiving tea. As you become accustomed to the tea
ceremony, these actions will come naturally. The world of the tea ceremony is a
deep one, and each action has its own meaning. Knowing the meaning of each
action will help you enjoy the tea ceremony even more.