The tea ceremony emphasizes harmony with nature.
This is largely due to the influence of Buddhism, especially the philosophy of Zen.
Zen teaches a sense of oneness with nature and the importance of being present in the “here and now. The tea ceremony takes this philosophy and puts it into practice through the space of the tea house.
In Zen philosophy, nature is the teacher that shows the path to enlightenment, and harmony with nature is an important path to spiritual growth.
Also important in Zen is the concept of impermanence. It teaches that everything is constantly changing and that nothing stays the same forever.
Studying the tea ceremony allows students to understand the traditional Japanese sense of beauty and the concept of “wabi and sabi” experientially. Tea ceremonies also use seasonal utensils and confections. This cultivates the ability to more delicately sense the transitions of nature and adds richness and color to daily life.
By appreciating seasonal flowers, tasting the texture of tea utensils, and feeling the harmony of space, students will develop an eye for subtle beauty in everyday life.
The tea ceremony is the culmination of Japanese culture. By studying the tea ceremony, students are exposed to various aspects of traditional Japanese culture, such as pottery, calligraphy, flower arrangement, architecture, and cuisine. This knowledge will deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and open the door to new interests.