Category: blog post

5 ways to make your temae go better

  • Before you enter the tea room, take 5 slow deep breaths.
  • Trust your body, don’t try to out think it.
  • Look at mistakes as opportunities to  learn.
  • Don’t forget to breathe during your temae.
  • Remember that making a good bowl of tea is the most important thing.

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    Sensei Says. . .

    Many of these sayings have appeared in the blog before, and students will recognize many of them from my own teachings. I have gathered them together to best of my recollection.  I hope you can add your own “sensei says” in the comments.

    The term “sensei” has been translated as “teacher.” Quite literally from the …

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    Kashintei Kai March Chakai

    I have the privilege of belonging to  Kashintei Kai a tea group that holds a once a month chakai at the tea house in the Portland Japanese Garden. It was my turn to host in March and I decided to use the tsurigama, or hanging kettle.  This is a very special kettle because it belonged …

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    Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/kashintei-kai-march-chakai/

    Incense and poetry

    One of the most popular units in the Introduction to Chado class is the Incense and Poetry night. Even the more experienced students come back to participate with the new students. It is a fabulous and emotional night of listening to the incense, composing and sharing poetry and of course sweets and tea.

    We prepare …

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    Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/incense-and-poetry/

    Student sweets

    Here are photos from a recent sweet making class we had recently.  I am especially charmed by the little green frog.

    Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/student-sweets/