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 …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/chakai-planning-2017/
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 …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/lifelong-learning/
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/
