Zen Buddhism in a Cup

Learning that drinking tea can be a spiritual experience was one of my “a’ha’s” on a recent trip to Japan.  

Yep.  The Japanese Tea Ceremony (called  Sadō or chadō or the Way of Tea) is tied to Zen Buddhism and is a method for putting worries and concerns aside to enjoy the moment.  Originally tea came from China, but the Japanese turned it into a meditative performance art. 

And, yes,  It is the ceremonial presentation of a powdered green tea called matcha.  But it is more than that.  It is a deliberate exercise in being present in the moment, focusing on one task and appreciating the simple things in life.  

Very Zen.  

My experience with the Japanese tea ceremony took place in Kyoto in April when I journeyed to Japan with Tiny World Tours.  We were fortunate to experience this centuries old tradition with a tea master, an 80 year old Abbot, in one of the many temples in this historic city.  

We were welcomed into the calm and minimalist space and told to sit around on the floor. Soon the abbot came in with a helper and began the process of performing the ceremony, designed to free the mind from every day stress.   

A sign over the door of the room says Sit and Forget we are told.  It’s all about slowing down, forgetting the past.  

Tea Ceremony Principles

Actually ceremony is a curious word for this event.  Yes, it is more than a hot drink. It is an act of hospitality and can be a form of meditation and relaxation.  It represents purity, tranquility, respect and harmony.   These principles are part of the process. The goal is to integrate them into our daily lives. 

This seemed a bit much for me to absorb so I simply enjoyed the sweets and sharing of the tea. And the lovely ageless smile of the Abbot. 

Wabi Sabi

After I got home I read a bit more about this memorable experience, finding out that two important ideas behind the tea ceremony are Wabi and Sabi.  

Wabi represents the spiritual experience of human lives—quiet and sober refinement.  Sabi represents the material side of life and it means weathered, decayed or impermanent.  

The goal is to practice a spiritual process of removing oneself from the hustle and bustle of the mundane world while seeking harmony, serenity and inner peace.  Seems like a lot to ask of a cup of tea, but apparently it has worked for hundreds of years.

I’d like to enjoy another Japanese Tea Ceremony to learn more. The holiday season is a bit frazzling…..it would be a welcome experience right now.

For more about this trip to Japan, here are some links.

Art Encounter on Naoshima Island, Japan

Japanese Gardens Calm the Mind

Ten Interesting/quirky things  about Japan 

teamLab: Borderless in Tokyo

Viewing Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Costume Rental Flourishes in Japan and Korea