About Chanoyu
Chanoyu is a traditional Japanese culture.
Chanoyu is filled with Japan’s beauty and the Japanese people’s hearts.
It is said that tea came from China about 1,300 years ago, and about 400 years later, a tea tree was planted in Saga prefecture, and it is said that it became common to drink when the matcha method was introduced.
The matcha method is putting tea powder directly into a tea bowl, pouring hot water into it, stirring it, and drinking it.
After that, many people worked on the advancement of the tea ceremony; Sen no Rikyu made Wabi-cha style (a type of tea style).
Chanoyu is intended to “drink a bowl of tea.”
In addition, you can experience Japanese beauty and the Japanese mind.
Chanoyu has the following beauties.
“The beauty of nature,” “The beauty of tools,” “The beauty of the place,” “The beauty of act,” and “The beauty created by host and guest.”
“The beauty of nature”
The first is “The beauty of nature”.
A single flower that blooms in the tea garden.
There is a flower with a bud, which is covered with dew.
As the tea ceremony progresses, the flower’s buds open and show the best moments of beauty.
In a small space called a tea room, you will have tea while touching the radiance of a single flower.
“The beauty of tools”
The second is “The beauty of tools”.
There are tea bowls, tea ladles, tea pots, etc.
The tools used in the Chanoyu reflect the era and have been handed down by many people who worked on the advancement of the tea ceremony.
Over the years, the tea bowl will become a distinct pattern and will delight your eyes.
When you drink tea together using the tea bowl, you will be friends who gather with the same purpose and unite their hearts.
The message from the potter (the person making the tea bowl) is conveyed, bringing a sense of fulfillment that unites the mind each other.
“The beauty of place”
The third is “The Beauty of Place”.
The tea room is neither flashy nor luxurious.
However, scrutinized natural materials are used gently, and efforts are made to make the space look beautiful.
We are also impressed with “The Beauty of Place”.
The beauty of light and shade cannot be overlooked.
The tea served in a light-blocked space can calm your mind.
“The beauty of act”
There is still. The fourth is “The beauty of act” serving the tea.
Using a tea ladle, put the matcha in the tea set into the tea bowl.
Using a tea whisk, stir beautifully and quickly.
Each act has a beautiful form, which leads to a delicious tea.
“The beauty created by host and guest”
The last is “The beauty created by the host and guest.”
The host cherishes an irreplaceable time, prepares sincerely, and welcomes guests.
Guests respond with gratitude to the host’s hospitality.
Through tea, we share beauty and create beauty.
This is “Chanoyu”.
Scenery while drinking tea in Kanchi-in temple.
The other day, we went to Kanchi-in temple in Kyoto.
And We enjoyed the Chanoyu.
We had a great and meaningful time with the deliciousness of the tea and the scenery from it.
Reference:
Kanchi-in temple, https://toji.or.jp/guide/kanchiin/
茶道のきほん「美しい作法」と「茶の湯」の楽しみ方
