tea and contemplation: The Way of Tea

Finding out more about the tea ceremony was high on my list of things to do while we were in Japan.

I have always been drawn to rituals - they make me feel comfortable and give me a sense of being in control. I think this is why the ritual of making a cup of tea is such a big part of my everyday. If I miss out (or if there's no milk at home or work!) I feel quite lost.

I found a place in Kyoto called "En", which offered an introduction to the tea ceremony. The information on the En website appealed to me as it talked about connection - a concept that is very important to me.

Our host began by telling us about the spiritual aspect of the tea ceremony and the 4 attitudes that must be present at the tea ceremony and that everyone attending must observe -
"WA-KEI-SEI-JAKU" which means:

Harmony - everyone is equal at the tea ceremony, there is harmony in the room as there is harmony in nature.

Respect - for everyone and everything including the objects that are part of the ceremony.

Purity - leave any worries or thoughts from everyday behind before coming into the tea room.

Tranquillity - this occurs when the 3 attitudes above are present.

What a wonderful way to approach any event - and life itself!

After sharing lots of interesting information , our host performed a short tea ceremony for us. It took about 20 minutes - apparently they can take up to 3 hours.

I found the experience meditative and beautiful. Each movement was considered and had significance. The absence of words meant that we could hear and appreciate every sound - the water as it was poured, the tea whisk mixing the tea. It was totally focussed on the present moment which was very calming - I certainly felt tranquil after watching the ceremony.

We didn't take many photos during the ceremony, however these ones from when we had tea at Kinkaku-Ji, a Zen temple known as The Golden Pavilion also in Kyoto, show the beautiful frothy, green matcha tea. Tea is usually accompanied by a sweet - this time decorated with gold leaf.