Every day is a good day, proclaims the hand-written Japanese calligraphy hanging in the alcove. Beneath the scroll, a vase containing a single branch of plum blossoms completes the thoughtfully placed display. Taking my place along the wall, I watch the other guests enter as I did, at first scooting across the threshold on one’s knees, then rising and walking toward the alcove to perform the simple ritual of first looking, then bowing to honor the scroll and flowers placed there.
Having carefully prepared all that would be needed for the occasion beforehand, our host enters, wearing a lovely silk kimono and carrying the items needed for tea. She moves with the ease that comes with years of discipline, a discipline required to serve tea as it has been served for nearly three centuries. One senses that the event is connected with the ancestry out of which it emerged, yet this time it is truly new. Japanese wisdom poetically states, "ichi vo ichi eh," or, "Each time is the only time." All events of life are fleeting and precious; this day, this season, these guests, this host, this tea bowl. The ancient ceremony unfolds as it has for centuries into the sacred time and space of now.
Our host’s movements are deliberate and highly formalized, like a carefully choreographed dance. Her very presence in the tea room speaks a respectful welcoming of each guest. The movements, bows, and gestures of both host and guests all express a deep cherishing of one another and of all things in the midst of tranquility, composure, and friendship. Through the selfless act of preparing and sharing a bowl of tea, host and guest are one.
The monastic tradition of Zen Buddhism long ago found beauty in what is simple, understated, rustic, and imperfect. It is this kind of beauty that is so valued in the tea ceremony. At the prescribed times, the tea bowl and other utensils are examined with appreciation accompanied by questions as to their age and origins.
Our host tells us that the tea bowl she has chosen for the occasion is raku glazed and is fired in a way that produces unplanned areas of interest in the pottery. This kind of ceramic pottery is highly prized because of the letting go necessary to produce it. Its beauty does not shout for attention. Rather, it is discovered through careful attention to what is subtle and silent. What is natural and simple is seen as most appropriate. Similarly, a wild flower found growing in a field of tall grass would be chosen for the alcove over a strongly scented cultivated one.
All is based on the principles of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. And so tea becomes a "way," a practice that begins to permeate one’s life outside the tea room. One’s relationships, one’s work, one’s way of moving through life is nourished by this ancient discipline from which one can learn to live one’s life.
The Way of Tea points the way to a shift of consciousness in a world that has lost its soul in the rush, din, and confusion of living in noise, pollution, and busy forgetfulness. The practice of Chanoyu, The Japanese word for The Way of Tea, becomes a mindfulness practice that helps one to remember that the present moment is precious and fleeting and that one’s companions are unique gifts to be cherished. Chanoyu teaches that one’s life is truly noble if it is lived in harmony with others and with the flowing rhythms of nature. One’s life is honorable when lived with respect for the dignity of all beings. One’s path is clear when the worldly attachments of the mind and heart are symbolically wiped away in the ritual cleaning of the tea bowl. One’s life becomes simple, uncluttered and tranquil upon the faithful practice of these principles.
I begin to feel some discomfort in my legs due to the kneeling/sitting position I have been in since entering the tea room. The changing light of the early spring evening is indicating that some time has gone by. Timelessness has taken hold, and an hour seems like minutes. I sense within me a slower heartbeat along with the slower, more gentle thoughts that fill my mind. My heart feels as if it has come home to a wonderful welcome. A gentle, almost hushed goodbye is exchanged between the host and guests. "Each time is the only time." I repeat to myself as I reenter the street, now covered in the lull of dusk. I will return again, for the foamy green tea and simple wisdom of Chanoyu. That is its essence.
Resources
For information on an introductory experience of the Tea Ceremony, call Japan Information Center, 312-280-0504.
SHEM Center for Interfaith Spirituality offers a full day of retreat in the Buddhist tradition that includes the Japanese Tea Ceremony hosted by Joyce Kubose, a practitioner of Chanoyu for over 20 years. Call 708-788-2460 for date, place and registration information.