Tag: chakai

First Virtual Chakai at Issoan

Yesterday for Memorial Day, we had our first virtual chakai at Issoan.  The theme was “Then and now.”  Since we are still on lock down for the Corona virus in Oregon, we had to do  it via Zoom.  There were many innovations since the students cannot come to Issoan for lessons, and creative interpretations of …

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Chanoyu in a time of Corona virus

It has been 65 days since we have been self-isolating here in Portland.  Things were already starting to shut down when I decided to cancel all chanoyu classes, workshops, demonstrations and events and close Issoan tea room for teaching.

The tea room feels empty, but not lonely.  Everyday, I zokin the tatami, hang a scroll …

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Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/chanoyu-in-a-time-of-corona-virus/

After the gathering (revisited)

After the gathering, after guests have left, and the helpers have been served there is the clean-up. All of the dogu is cleaned, the fire has been picked and the kettle returned to dry. If the gathering has taken place at a rented venue, everything needs to be packed up and loaded in the car …

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Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/after-the-gathering-revisited/

After the gathering

It has been the custom of my sensei and indeed myself, that after a chaji, chakai, or a demonstration of chanoyu, to make sure all students and helpers have a sweet and drink a bowl of tea before we clean up. After the guests leave, there is still so much to do. And yet, …

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Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/after-the-gathering/

O-Tsukimi, the Moonviewing Festival

Last night was a beautiful evening for moonviewing.  At the Portland Japanese Garden we participated in the O-tsukimi festival with a celebration of Japanese culture.  The weather was cloudy during the day, but as the evening deepened, all the clouds dissapated to reveal the moon.  The celebration will continue tonight and tomorrow night. It is …

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Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/o-tsukimi-the-moonviewing-festival/