Most commented posts
- Heart to heart connection — 8 comments
- April update, a Midorikai interlude — 6 comments
- Making a good bowl of koicha — 6 comments
- It is harder than it looks — 6 comments
- Seeing things as they are — 6 comments
Author's posts
Beginner’s heart
One line of the kotoba reads: As we diligently learn the Way, we shall not forget the humble but eager heart of the beginner. To many of us who have been studying the Way of tea for a number of years, it is easy to forget what it is like to be a beginner. It …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/beginners-heart/
Furo, Ro ash preparation
I’d like to introduce a guest blogger, Randy from Salt Lake City. Randy came to visit me just before New Year’s and we had a fine chakai and shared tea and many stories from our time at Midorikai. He was inspired to prepare ash for his furo.
I was looking at the blog on the …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/furo-ro-ash-preparation/
White clouds
When choosing the toriawase, the arrangement of utensils for a chakai, or chaji the first thing you should consider is the scroll. It sets the theme for your event and gives the guests something to think about. Most scrolls displayed in the tea room are zen phrases written by Zen priests, monks, or …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/white-clouds/
Today’s sweet
Today’s sweet matsu shima – pine island
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/todays-sweet/
Out of the fire
Last night we had a very special workshop with potter Richard Brandt firing black raku style teabowls. Richard is a long time Portland ceramic artist who also has studied chado. He understands the form and functionality of the teabowl because he has used them in the tea ceremony. His generous …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/out-of-the-fire/