Introduction to Chado class now forming

I have had some inquiries about when my next introduction class will be held.  And now here it is: starting Saturday, April 28th 1:00-2:30 for 10 weeks.

Introduction to Japanese Culture through the Tea Ceremony

Harmony, purity, respect and tranquility.  These are the four principles of tea ceremony distilled from Japanese culture.  In this ten week class, students will be introduced to Chado, the way of tea. The arts of Japan will be examined through the ritual preparation and drinking of matcha, Japanese ceremonial tea.
An overview of Japanese aesthetics found in gardening, architecture, art and literature and how Tea Ceremony has influenced Japanese culture will be presented.  Also covered are tea ceramics, calligraphy, kimono dressing, and and learning etiquette on how to be a guest at a tea ceremony.. We will also learn zazen meditation and discuss how to put tea practice into every day life.
Classes will take place in a Japanese tea room located 4 blocks south of PCC Rock Creek campus.  17761 NW Marylhurst Ct.  Starting April 28th 1:00-2:30 pm for 10 weeks.  Fee is $250.  Space is limited, please register early.
Contact Margie:  margie AT issoantea.com, or call 503-645-7058 to register.

Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/introduction-to-chado-class-now-forming/

April is the Month for Tea

Sunday April 1

Japanese Tea Ceremony
The Lavender Tea House
Sherwood, OR

Cherry Blossom Festival for the month of April.  On April 1 the Lavender Tea House will be hosting a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony by Issoan Tea.

Come celebrate the blooming cherry blossom’s like they are in Japan by joining us for a traditional Japanese Ceremony Tea. Tea & Japanese pastries provided. Sun, April 1st, 2pm, $25 Reservations required.

The Lavender Tea House
16227 SW 1st Street
Sherwood, OR 97140

Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/april-is-the-month-for-tea/

Furyu

Furyu is composed of two characters meaning, “wind” and “flowing.” Like the moving wind, it can be sensed but not seen. It is both tangible and intangible in its suggested elegance. And like the wind, furyu points to a wordless ephemeral beauty that can only be experienced in the moment, for in the next instant it will dissolve like the morning mist.

 

Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/furyu/

Upon entering the tearoom

Upon entering the tearoom, it is important above all else
that both host and guests compose their frame of mind
so as to be completely free of extraneous thought; this attitude
should be harbored within and not displayed outwardly.
~ Murata Shuko (d. 1502)

Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/upon-entering-the-tearoom/

Telling Stories

One of the pleasures of attending a tea gathering are the stories told at the gathering.   Putting together how the meaning of the scroll and the choices of the utensils along with the poetic names of the sweets and chashaku make for an interesting time.

Some of my students are beginnning to study the kazari mono where the scroll, the teabowl, the chashaku or other utensil is featured in the temae.  In class we practice telling the stories of the utensils.  Just because you purchased the bowl cheap on eBay does not make a good story for the tea gathering.  Neither does I liked this bowl, but I know nothing about it.  There should be something about it. Be thoughtful about what utensils you are using for your tea gatherings. Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/telling-stories/