Tag: classes

New classes forming at Issoan

Two new classes forming for February 19

Introduction to Chado, 4:00 pm. 10 week Introduction to Chado the way of tea.  For those who want to know more about Japanese Culture,  this 10 week introduction  will examine the arts of Japan through the ritual preparation and drinking of matcha, Japanese ceremonial tea.  More information …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/new-classes-forming-at-issoan/

Between lessons

I have recently begun okeiko again with Bonnie Mitchell-sensei via Zoom.  I am so grateful for the time and energy that she invests in every lesson.   It has been more than 18 years since I attended weekly okeiko.  After so many years on the teaching side, being a student again is humbling.  Yet every …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/between-lessons/

Tea Reflection

Guest Post by Andrew Nguy.  Andrew was in China on a Fulbright scholarship when Covid broke out. Andrew studied with me online through the Covid pandemic. He is now off to Yale for East Asian graduate studies.

One wintry morning as I roamed the halls of a temple in China’s historical southern capital, I received …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/tea-reflection/

Chanoyu in a time of Corona virus

It has been 65 days since we have been self-isolating here in Portland.  Things were already starting to shut down when I decided to cancel all chanoyu classes, workshops, demonstrations and events and close Issoan tea room for teaching.

The tea room feels empty, but not lonely.  Everyday, I zokin the tatami, hang a scroll …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/chanoyu-in-a-time-of-corona-virus/

Friends traveling far

I just completed the week long seminar, Zen and Tea at Green Gulch Zen Center in California. The setting is serene and beautiful.  Walking to Muir Beach is something that just feeds the soul.  Waking the sound of birds and sitting zazen in the morning felt cleansing and empowering.

Thank you to all the sensei, …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/friends-traveling-far/