Graduation from school brought with it the same feelings I have always gotten: joy from completing something I set my mind to do, anxiety for things that are out of my control (like anything related to the future), nostalgia for the beginning memories and anticipation for the wonderful things just over the horizon. It’s such …
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This year, I have several students who have put on a chakai or are planning to put on chakai for guests. It takes a lot of planning and effort to do this, and yes a lot of courage to do it. From the beginning to just decide to host a gathering is kind of a …
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At presentations and demonstrations of chado, I am often asked how long I have studied, or how long you need to study to attain tea master ship. This is kind of a loaded question for me. The study of chado is so broad and so deep that it would take a lifetime to just know …
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On April 25, for Rikyuki, we decided to try a few things a little different. As the guests came in, they were served osayu in the machiai. The guests then entered the honseki where they offered a flower in the many hanging vases next to the tokonoma before toko haiken and then viewing the tea …
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The final week of classes was spent relishing our remaining time together. Our last jitsugi was spent doing shaza, a teaching exercise that combines flower arranging, laying of the charcoal, incense appreciation, making koicha (thick tea) and making usucha (thin tea). It’s a really fun one, as everyone has a task that they are responsible …
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