Japanese tea ceremony

HOLYOKE, Mass. (Mass Appeal) - Japanese tea ceremony is a unique Japanese cultural tradition, which has been shaped by its origins in Zen Buddhism. The guiding philosophy of the Japanese tea ceremony rests on the principles of Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Serenity.

I took part in a Japanese Tea Ceremony at Mt. Holyoke College, with Nobue Socho Yamashita, Reiko Sono, and Yuko Takahashi. We began by walking through the garden, which symbolizes leaving the physical world to enter the spiritual. The ceremony took place in a traditional Japanese tatami room, where there is no music, only the natural sounds of the outdoors and the boiling water.

The hanging scroll usually has a simple poem written in Japanese calligraphy, which is carefully chosen by the host to set the mood and atmosphere of the tea ceremony.

I admired Nobue and her beauty, and the tremendous respect and discipline this culture has. There are several steps which the host will carry out during the tea ceremony. The most important thing for the host to do for the guests is to create an atmosphere of tranquility and calm.

She offered us sweets, which was like no other sweet I've tried before! Each of us enjoyed our sweets one at a time. Even Sean, our cameraman took part! Nobue told us to relax, and enjoy our sweets while the tea was prepared. During this time there are usually no words spoken, and guests simply observe the host preparing the tea. I tried my best to follow along. Yuko and Reiko were wonderful, helping me out with each step.

Next, Nobue made each of us tea, which again, we enjoyed one at a time. She encouraged us to take our time, and take pleasure in the atmosphere and company.
I had to be sure that the design on the tea bowl was facing out, so that its elegance could be seen.

At the very end, Nobue cleaned all of the utensils and invited us to hold and look at them.

The tea ceremony is a very special event in Japanese culture and I felt honored to be a part of it. While cameras are capturing all of the hardship that Japan is currently going through, we remember to celebrate the tremendous beauty and tradition that the Japanese culture has to offer the world.

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