Shugyō 修行 Cultivating the self through a living process that shows up in the refinement of mind, body & spirit.
When: June 11-14, 2026 Where: Tahoma One Drop Zendo, Whidbey Island, Washington Cost: $375 (including room and board)
Accommodations include tent camping or simple dormitory. Please bring sleeping bag. Everyone will participate in preparing …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/zen-and-chado-summer-retreat/
We have just concluded Issoan’s 2024 Intensive at the Oregon Coast. Six students spent 4 days of training, study and discussion. The weather cooperated and for three mornings we got up to do chabako tea on the beach between the waning full moon and glorious sun rise kissing the day.…
After tea …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/between-the-sun-and-the-moon/
What does it mean to study a traditional art? Well, of course there are traditions. That means things are passed down from teacher to student, generation to generation. There is a way to do things based on many people refining and perfecting the craft. Like playing classical music, ballet or other traditional art, learning the …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/studying-a-traditional-art/
As part of tea training, I encourage all my students to take part in tea presentations. Last week we had several opportunities at the Portland Japanese Garden to do so. There are weekly presentations at the Cultural Corner platform, an elevated tatami mat that looks like a floating platform. It is a little challenging as …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/tea-presentations-as-training/
Two weeks ago, I returned from my vacation in the Canadian Rockies to go right into an intensive training for Chanoyu. Every year, Christy Bartlett sensei comes to Portland for a weekend of intensive training. We are very lucky to have this opportunity to train intensively, as questions and practice in front of a …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/weekend-intensive-training/
