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 …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/urasenke-portland-association-rikyuki/
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 …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/shaon-chakai-graduation-midorikai-interlude/
After many of years of planning and we have finally begun phase 3 of Issoan renovations. The first phase was just tatami mats on the floor in the spare bedroom. Phase 2 we added the shoji window screens, fusuma closet door, cedar moldings, painted the room, and added the outside portal door.
We have …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/issoan-undergoing-renovations/
The day of the chaji arrived. The four sempai and Makela-sensei headed to Nashinoki temple, one of Rikyu’s most convenient famous water locations (and the same place where I got water for my chaji). Then we headed to Toin-seki and unpacked our groceries and remaining implements and started our preparations. We each had our tasks …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/chaji-results-midorikai-interlude/
The weather has become warmer (thank goodness!) and the plum blossoms are waning as we look forward to coming full circle and some of the early blooming cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom. I’ll be doing a lot of bike riding around the city when school is finished on my brown “Waffle” bike to go …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/chaji-midorikai-interlude/
