Tea Ceremony Part Two
2011-01-04 @ 23:18:09
In the previous entry I wrote about Bodhidharma and the tea. Certainly it is only a legend, so now I must say some words about history of chado. I hope you won't be bored^^
In reality custom of drinking tea came to Japan whith monks who were returnig from China after practice in chann (jap. zen) monasteries. Tea helped them in meditation and also was used because of its medicine properties. Last but not least, tea contributed to the promotion of zen. But only the late 15th century drinking tea became something special - more than nice social gathering and more than sublimation ritual. Chado was created by three people, three great tea (and also zen) master: Juko Murata, Takeno Joo and primaly Sen no Rikyu.
We owe all "the way of tea" to them. The way which requries humility and simplicity, patience and sincere heart. But it also allows us to find harmony and balance in everydaylife. The simple act of giving tea bowl contains elements of philosophy, aesthetics, religious and morality (more about these elements - next time). On the other hand If you wonder what the mystery of Tea Ceremony is, I could say only this - there is no any secret, because:
"Tea is not but this.
First you make the water boil,
Then infuse the tea.
Then you drink it properly.
That is all you need to know."
Sen no Rikyu
And now something for the eye becasuse writing about Tea Ceremony without showing what it is, might seem a little silly.
In reality custom of drinking tea came to Japan whith monks who were returnig from China after practice in chann (jap. zen) monasteries. Tea helped them in meditation and also was used because of its medicine properties. Last but not least, tea contributed to the promotion of zen. But only the late 15th century drinking tea became something special - more than nice social gathering and more than sublimation ritual. Chado was created by three people, three great tea (and also zen) master: Juko Murata, Takeno Joo and primaly Sen no Rikyu.
We owe all "the way of tea" to them. The way which requries humility and simplicity, patience and sincere heart. But it also allows us to find harmony and balance in everydaylife. The simple act of giving tea bowl contains elements of philosophy, aesthetics, religious and morality (more about these elements - next time). On the other hand If you wonder what the mystery of Tea Ceremony is, I could say only this - there is no any secret, because:
"Tea is not but this.
First you make the water boil,
Then infuse the tea.
Then you drink it properly.
That is all you need to know."
Sen no Rikyu
And now something for the eye becasuse writing about Tea Ceremony without showing what it is, might seem a little silly.