Zen Tea Ceremony

A Zen tea ceremony, known as chanoyu (or sadō/chadō), is a traditional Japanese ritual centered on the ceremonial preparation and serving of matcha, powdered green tea, steeped in Zen Buddhist philosophy and practice. The ceremony embodies principles like harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility, creating a meditative, mindful experience that emphasizes being present in the moment and appreciating the simple beauty of the ritual and its surroundings.

The Four Principles of Tea:
The renowned tea master Sen no Rikyu formalized these principles:
Wa (Harmony): Creating unity and connection between the host, guests, and surroundings.
Kei (Respect): Expressing gratitude and deference towards others and the utensils used.
Sei (Purity): The cleanliness of the space and utensils, and the purity of the mind during the ceremony.
Jaku (Tranquility): Achieving a profound sense of peace and serenity.
The Ceremony Experience
Preparation:
Before the tea is served, the tea master meticulously cleans the utensils in a specific, precise order.
Serving:
Guests are served matcha, a ceremonial-grade powdered green tea, in beautiful bowls. Before drinking, a guest typically rotates the bowl to avoid drinking from its most prominent side, a gesture of respect.Read more