Happy New Year. This year, I hope to deepen the spirit of the tea ceremony and spend a fulfilling time with you all.
This year's goal: To deepen the spirit of tea
The basic spirit of the tea ceremony is "Wa Kei Sei Jaku" (harmony, respect, purity, and serenity). It is important to approach tea with these mindsets.
This year, we will be focusing on deepening our sense of respect. By respecting others and never forgetting to be grateful, we will pursue a richer world of tea ceremony through daily practice and tea ceremonies.
- Advice for those who want to learn the tea ceremony -
At first glance, the tea ceremony may seem intimidating, but by understanding the basic etiquette, you can gain a deeper understanding of Japan's beautiful spirit and culture.
If you are a beginner, please keep the following points in mind:
1. Learn the basic movements: By learning the basic etiquette of the tea ceremony, you can develop beautiful behavior and a good state of mind. 2. How to Enter the Tea Room: Learning how to enter the tea room properly will help you develop good manners and respect for others. 3. How to Eat Sweets and Tea: By learning the correct way to eat sweets and tea, you can master the etiquette required for a tea ceremony. 4. How to Handle Tea Utensils: Learning the basics of how to handle tea utensils will help you develop respect for the utensils and a deeper understanding of etiquette.
Also, as a mindset for the tea ceremony, there is a phrase called "ichigo ichie." This is the idea of valuing encounters with people, as "this moment will never come again." It is a mindset we should keep in mind in our daily lives as well.
Tea ceremony is not just about learning etiquette, it is also a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of traditional Japanese culture and cultivate your spirit. Take your time and progress one step at a time.
As the new year begins, I look forward to spending a spiritually enriching time together through the tea ceremony. Thank you for your continued support this year.