I've started to embrace wabi-sabi (the concept I learnt from Chado) in my own way, finding beauty in the imperfections of my favourite travel-worn backpack and not getting so hung up on things being "perfect" all the time. It's quite liberating, actually!

Introduction

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I discovered the value of doing everything with intention.

My love for matcha led me to explore the Japanese tea ceremony for the first time. I'd always pictured it as this deeply sacred ritual, considering how meticulous and detail-oriented Japanese culture can be. Turns out, I was right—but the focus went way beyond just the matcha. Surprisingly, I learnt so much more: the art of folding with precision, entering a room with my right foot while avoiding the black line (who knew?!), and the importance of rocking up 10 minutes early to every lesson.

Personal Experience: My Journey into the Way of Tea

I enrolled in the autumn session of KYOTO – Experience Chado (the Way of Tea) at kokoka, and it's been a fascinating journey so far. To my surprise, we didn't even touch matcha for ages! In fact, we didn't have our first sip until the third or fourth lesson. The initial classes were all about mastering the basics—learning the foundational rules, as well as understanding concepts like "appreciation" and "respect." Our teacher emphasised the importance of honouring the centuries-old traditions and procedures of the tea ceremony.

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To me, the lesson reflects the essence of life itself: appreciating art, respecting others—whether they're guests or hosts—and valuing the beauty of every step in the process.

One of the things I've come to love most is how we're taught to admire every detail with intention. For example, the paintings displayed during each lesson are thoughtfully selected by the host, each carrying a unique meaning. Even the design of the sweets and the layout of the rooms are deliberate, adding layers of significance to the experience.

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I find this mindfulness deeply inspiring, and I'm finding that even small moments of focused attention -- like really savouring my morning coffee or taking a few deep breaths before a big meeting—can make a difference.

Every action, whether serving or receiving, is purposeful. We learn the precise way to fold and unfold things, and even as guests, we're encouraged to choose wallet designs with care and intention. This attention to detail and meaning has made the entire experience truly enriching, and it's given me a newfound appreciation for the artistry and philosophy behind Chado.

Step-by-Step Guide: A Walkthrough of a Traditional Tea Ceremony

The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as Chado or the Way of Tea, is a beautiful, ceremonial practice that's been passed down for centuries. It originally came from China, brought over by Buddhist monks who used it as a form of meditation. Over time, it evolved into this intricate art form that's all about elegance, harmony, and respect.

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Fun fact: Chado is guided by four main principles: harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), and tranquility (jaku). A good reminder for us in our busy daily lives. Even fierce samurai warriors practiced Chado as a way to cultivate inner peace and focus before battle!

Let's break down what happens in a typical tea ceremony:

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1. Getting Ready: Before you even see the tea, the host has been busy! They've meticulously cleaned and arranged the tea room. Think tatami mats on the floor, beautiful calligraphy scrolls (kakemono - 掛け物 or かけもの) on the wall, and carefully arranged flowers (ikebana - 生け花 or いけばな).
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2. Entering the Tea Room:When you enter, it's polite to bow and say, "Ojama shimasu" (お邪魔します). This means, "I'm going to disturb you," but in a respectful way. Kind of like, "Excuse me for intruding." At the door, you can also say "Otemae chodai itashimasu" (お点前頂戴いたします), which means you are looking forward to partaking in the ceremony.
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3. Word for the Tools: The host will bring out the tea utensils, and everyone takes a moment to appreciate them. You might see:
- Chawan (茶碗): The tea bowl.
- Natsume or Cha-ire (棗 or 茶入): The container where the matcha is kept.
- Chashaku (茶杓): The tea scoop, usually made of bamboo.
- Chasen (茶筅) The bamboo whisk.
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4. Enjoying the Matcha: Before drinking, you should admire the chawan—its shape, colour, and any patterns.
- As a sign of respect, turn the bowl clockwise two times (about a quarter turn each time) before taking a sip. You can say "Osakini" (お先に) to the other guests, which means "excuse me for going before you."
- Enjoy the rich flavour and the frothiness of the matcha. It's meant to be savoured! It is also common to compliment the host after the first sip by saying, "Oishii desu" (美味しいです), which means "it is delicious."
- After finishing the tea, it is also common to say "Kekko na Otemae deshita" (結構なお点前でした), which means "That was a splendid tea ceremony."
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After everyone's finished, there's a quiet moment to reflect and appreciate the experience. The host will then collect the bowls and utensils, which signals the end of the ceremony. You can say "Gochisosama deshita" (ごちそうさまでした), which is a general phrase said after a meal or drink, meaning "thank you for the delicious meal."

Important Notes:

  • The specific order and details can vary depending on the school of tea ceremony and the particular occasion.
  • There are many more nuances and subtleties to the tea ceremony, but this gives you a good general idea of what to expect.

Cultural Insights: A Reflection of Japanese Values

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The tea ceremony embodies traditional Japanese aesthetics, known as wabi-sabi. This concept values imperfection, simplicity, and natural beauty—all qualities that are reflected in the serene and minimalist vibe of the tea room.

The Japanese tea ceremony is deeply intertwined with the culture and values of Japan. It really highlights the importance of mindfulness, attention to detail, and harmony in daily life. You can see this in the meticulous way everything is prepared and presented (I love it!!), and in the emphasis on appreciation and respect for every step of the process.

The focus on finding beauty in imperfection is also evident in how guests are encouraged to appreciate even small details like cracks or chips in the pottery.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Ceremony—A Life Lesson

woman in red kimono holding umbrella walking on sidewalk during daytime
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The reason I'm sticking with these lessons is because of the profound impact they've had on how I approach life. It's taught me to focus on the small details, be more mindful, put things back where they belong, and cultivate a deeper sense of admiration and appreciation for everything around me.

I've decided to take a three-month break starting in November due to work and the holidays, but I'm keen to get back to it. I still remember my sensei's remarkable patience while teaching me, even though I don't speak Japanese. He didn't say much, but he always paid close attention. I remember one time when he adjusted the angle of my chawan (tea bowl) ever so slightly without a word, and in that moment, I felt a profound sense of trust and guidance. While he rarely commented on how I did things, I could feel his trust in me—and that trust meant a lot. He also said one thing: practice is the most important part, embed this into your daily life. Ultimately, I hope the principles of Chado will continue to shape my life, helping me to be more present, more appreciative, and more mindful in everything I do.

Thank you Sensei!

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