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.



Tea Ceremony Part One
2011-01-03 @ 00:00:37
Drinking tea in Japan is not only a matter of ordinary life, primarily related to man's physical faculty. It is something more important, even for common people. This is a kind of art which is known as chado or sado. Bofth terms mean "the way of tea" and they are strongly connected with zen philosphy, especially with zen aesthetics. Generally zen was great influence in the development of chado. "Chazen ichimi" declared old tea master: "Zen and the taste of tea are one and the same".

Chado, also called chanoyu - the Tea Ceremony, has a long and rich tradition that begins with Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk who lived during the 5th/6th century and probably he also was the "transmitter" of zen to China (and then to Japan). The legend has that one day Bodhidharma fell asleep during the meditation. When he realised this fact he was very angry and cut his eyelids which changed into the teabush. Since that time tea has been favourite monk's drink because of its qualities, especially refreshing.

But this is only the beginning of Tea Ceremony.
To be continued..


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