The Paradox that is the Way of Tea

"In my own hands I hold a bowl of tea; I see all of nature represented in its green color. Closing my eyes I find green mountains and pure water within my own heart. Silently, sitting alone, drinking tea, I feel these become part of me. Sharing this bowl of tea with others, they, too, become one with it and nature. That we can find a lasting tranquility in our own selves in the company of others is the paradox that is the Way of Tea."
— Dr. Soshitsu Sen XV

From the Archives

I am getting ready for two new classes this weekend, so here are some posts from the archives:

One year ago:  It's harder than it looks,  Care of your kama,and Introducing kagetsu

Two years ago:  After a tea gathering,   The heart of tea,  and The right way

Three years ago:  It's not my fault,  Slow down,  Pay attention to what you are doing, and Breaking bad habits

Four years ago: Time for reflection, Hataraki, working things out,  It's not about perfection, This moment is complete, Making a good bowl of matcha tea, and Performance anxiety

Whew, it has been nearly five years since I started writing this blog.  Please take the time to look at the archives.  I hope you enjoy reading them.

Beginning Chanoyu

I have a new class that I will be offering this spring

Beginning Chanoyu

In this 10 week class, students will learn  the first procedure, Ryakubon.  It is a complete tea ceremony with all the essential elements, but you can do it without a lot of equipment or tea room.  I have shared tea this way for public presentations, and also while hiking, in the living room, on the train, in my hotel room while traveling and under the cherry blossoms.  Students will also deepen their understanding of the guest role, learn to make a couple of different types of sweets, and learn basic preparation and set up of the tea room.  We will begin to explore seasonal aspects of the tea ceremony, and at the end, put on a tea gathering for friends and family.  Come join us for this class.

When:  Starts Saturday, April 28th, 3:00-5:00 pm and goes for 10 weeks, fee is $250
Where: Issoan Tea Room, 17761 NW Marylhurst Ct., Portland, OR 97229
Very limited enrollment.  Please call Margie 503-645-7058 to register.  margie AT gmail.com

Introduction to Chado Class now forming

I have had some inquiries about when my next introduction class will be held.  And now here it is: starting Saturday, April 28th 1:00-2:30 for 10 weeks.

Introduction to Japanese Culture through the Tea Ceremony

Harmony, purity, respect and tranquility.  These are the four principles of tea ceremony distilled from Japanese culture.  In this ten week class, students will be introduced to Chado, the way of tea. The arts of Japan will be examined through the ritual preparation and drinking of matcha, Japanese ceremonial tea. 

An overview of Japanese aesthetics found in gardening, architecture, art and literature and how Tea Ceremony has influenced Japanese culture will be presented.  Also covered are tea ceramics, calligraphy, kimono dressing, and and learning etiquette on how to be a guest at a tea ceremony.. We will also learn zazen meditation and discuss how to put tea practice into every day life.

Classes will take place in a Japanese tea room located 4 blocks south of PCC Rock Creek campus.  17761 NW Marylhurst Ct.  Starting April 28th 1:00-2:30 pm for 10 weeks.  Fee is $250.  Space is limited, please register early.   

Contact Margie:  margie AT issoantea.com, or call 503-645-7058 to register.

April is the month for Tea

Sunday April 1
Japanese Tea Ceremony
The Lavender Tea House
Sherwood, OR

Cherry Blossom Festival
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony by Issoan Tea
Come celebrate the blooming cherry blossom's like they are in Japan by joining us for a traditional Japanese Ceremony Tea. Tea & Japanese pastries provided. Sun, April 1st, 2pm, $25 Reservations required.



The Lavender Tea House
16227 SW 1st Street
Sherwood, OR 97140
503-625-4479
LavenderTeaHouse@yahoo.com

Saturday, April 7 
Japanese Tea Ceremony
The Jasmine Pearl Tea Merchants, Portland, OR


Japanese Tea Ceremony Presentation by Issoan Tea.  Saturday, April 7 from 10 am to 11 am.  Observe the ceremony followed by matcha and authentic Japanese Tea sweets made by Yume Confections will be served.  Reservations required.


The Jasmine Pearl
724 NE 22nd Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97232
mail@thejasminepearl.com
503-236-3539

Meditation Moments
Tea Ceramics by Richard Milgrim
Paintings by Hiroshi Senju

April 6 – 29, 2012
Garden Hours in the Pavilion

Included with Garden Admission
Tea demonstrations weekends at 1 and 2 p.m.
For centuries, the remarkable healing properties of tea have been recognized in Eastern medicine. An infusion of tea leaves brought alertness and energy to Buddhist monks who needed to stay awake during the long hours of meditation that were required in their spiritual practices. Rich in vitamin C, green tea is recognized today as an anti-oxidant, perhaps effective in preventing cancer. Shared eagerly among friends in cultures around the world, a cup of hot tea is considered a true luxury today as it has been for nearly two thousand years.

In Japan, the custom of tea drinking was elevated to an art form. For Zen Buddhist priests and sophisticated laymen of the 15th century, the practice of Chado, the Way of Tea, involved a deep commitment to a spiritual path to attaining harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility in daily life. Performing what has been referred to as the “tea ceremony,” while based originally on the simplest act of sipping a bowl of tea with friends, has evolved more complex aesthetic and spiritual implications.
Chanoyu, the practice of preparing tea in this manner, requires a tranquil setting and meticulous attention to detail. A long history of creating exquisite environments in which to conduct these events resulted in the production of marvelous crafts—tea bowls, scoops, whisks, jars, containers, and braziers—as well as fine hanging scroll paintings and calligraphy.

Richard Milgrim is one of the rare non-Japanese potters who has reached the heights of recognition not only in the U.S. but also in Japan, where his work is highly sought after. Milgrim’s work has been lauded by the grand master of the prestigious Urasenke School of Tea in Kyoto. This exhibition of his tea ceramics is part of the 2012 Art in the Garden series that explores the theme of Healing Garden with exhibitions and lectures that focus on the Japanese approach to health and well-being.

To complement Mr. Milgrim’s tea utensils, we are most honored to show a selection of hanging scrolls by the internationally acclaimed painter Hiroshi Senju, whose famous waterfall paintings hang in many of the great museums around the world. Mr Senju divides his time between his studio in New York and his work as President of the Kyoto University of Art and Design.


Saturdays and Sundays
April 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29
1 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Free with admission/$5 matcha tea
In conjunction with the exhibition Meditative Moments: Tea Ceramics by Richard Milgrim and Paintings by Hiroshi Senju, the Garden will offer two tea presentations of the Way of Tea each Saturday and Sunday in the Pavilion Gallery. These will take place at 1 & 2 p.m. and will be prepared by members of Kashintei Kai, the tea society associated with the Garden’s Kashintei Tea House. Visitors who wish to try a bowl of the frothy matcha tea may purchase a $5 ticket at the Admission Gate.