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 …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/chanoyu-in-a-time-of-corona-virus/
Here we are at the winter solstice of 2019. Right now the Pacific Northwest is experiencing a category 3 Or 4 Atmospheric River described as a long, narrow plume of tropical moisture carrying intense rainfall across the atmosphere like a river in the sky. “These columns of …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/the-turn-of-the-year/
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, …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/friends-traveling-far/
During koicha temae, the teishu asks the shokyaku “Ofukukagen wa ikaga desu ka?” How is the tea. Of course out of politeness, it is always “Kekko desu, or Taihen kekko desu” It is good and sufficient. But we need honest feedback in order to improve how we make koicha. One of my students told me …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/making-good-bowl-koicha/
One of the things I am passionate about in my life is the way of tea. I am known for my enthusiasms, and Chado has kept me captivated for more than 30 years. There are many ways that I share my passion for Chado and one is that I talk about it all the time …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/presenting-way-tea/
