Symbolism
Many aspects of chanoyu are symbolic references to Japanese culture. For example, the water used to boil and steep the tea represents yin and the fire in the hearth yang.
The water contained in the "mizusashi" represents purity, and it is only touched by the host. The chawan (tea bowl) holding the chasen (bamboo tea whisk,) chakin (tea cloth for cleaning,) and chashaku (tea scoop) is arranged next to the water jar which represents the sun, and the bowl itself represents the moon.
The fukusa (fine silk cloth for purifying tea container and scoop) represents the spirit of the host. The host's careful inspection, folding, and handling of the fukusa holds a deep significance, for his level of concentration and state of meditation are being intensified. (Source 5)
The water contained in the "mizusashi" represents purity, and it is only touched by the host. The chawan (tea bowl) holding the chasen (bamboo tea whisk,) chakin (tea cloth for cleaning,) and chashaku (tea scoop) is arranged next to the water jar which represents the sun, and the bowl itself represents the moon.
The fukusa (fine silk cloth for purifying tea container and scoop) represents the spirit of the host. The host's careful inspection, folding, and handling of the fukusa holds a deep significance, for his level of concentration and state of meditation are being intensified. (Source 5)
Seasonal Experience
The aesthetic and set-up of chanoyu change along with the seasons. In spring, when wildflowers begin to bloom, the flower display in the tea room will contain wildflowers.
In the fall, during the migration of native birds, the decor will include bird themed designs.
In the new year, all utensils will be switched to ones featuring that year's zodiac animal to symbolize the longevity and peace to come that year. (Source 8)
In the fall, during the migration of native birds, the decor will include bird themed designs.
In the new year, all utensils will be switched to ones featuring that year's zodiac animal to symbolize the longevity and peace to come that year. (Source 8)
an Exercise in meditation
Before the fifteenth century, the tea ceremony was seen as more of a Zen ritual than a social event or an art form. This was when it originally gained popularity, because Samurai were drawn to it and the concentration required to perform it. The precise and complex process that one had to go through when making the tea helped them hone their senses to make focusing on the battlefield much easier. Tea masters and their students believe that if one mastered the art of preparing tea, he might learn to understand the following (AKA the Way of Tea:)
- wabi, the spiritual wealth gained in poverty and humility
- wa (harmony,) a desire for reciprocity, both at the tea gathering and in the outside world
- kei (respect,) awareness of one's individual role and responsibilities, and appropriate decorum
- sei (purity,) a commitment to preserve social and spiritual integrity
- jaku (tranquility,) savoring the transient moment to gain renewal
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