Savour 450 Year Old Wisdom and Purify Your Heart
Approximately 450 years ago, the cultural practice we now know as the "tea ceremony" emerged under the name chanoyu. Far more than a mere ritual, it was a profound discipline practiced to enrich life and cultivate the mind.
For samurai in the turbulent Sengoku era, chanoyu was embraced as a way to find peace, nurture good fortune and develop self-discipline under the extreme pressures of war. It was not just an art form, but a means to maintain mental clarity and composure amidst the chaos.
In today’s world, even as science continues to expand human knowledge, the complexities of the human heart and emotions remain largely a mystery. When aligned, the heart has shown to have the power to realize extraordinary achievements; when unsettled, the pain it can cause knows no limits. It is indeed a double-edged sword.
Over centuries, tea ceremony has imparted wisdom on the importance of nurturing the heart. Among its teachings, the power of words, and the beauty of graceful conduct stand out as timeless lessons that continue to resonate.
The Power of Words: Kotodama
In Japan, it is said that words carry a spiritual essence, known as kotodama.
The sounds we form into words are imbued with emotions that hold the power to shape and transform. This is why it is of the utmost importance to choose and express words with care and elegance. In the practice of tea, words of quietude harmonize the surroundings and the hearts of those present.
The Beauty of Graceful Conduct
Our actions are a reflection of our inner wellbeing. When our movements and posture are filled with grace, they radiate dignity, respect, and a deep sense of compassion for others and the world around us. Every gesture in the tea ceremony embodies this harmony, creating a flow which goes beyond being simply aesthetic.
Refining the Heart to Fulfill Your Mission
Each of us was born into this world with unique potential and the capacity to grow and learn. Instead of being constrained by the challenges before us, we can harness the transformative power of words and graceful conduct to shape our surroundings. By becoming aware of our hearts and taking the first step forward, we open a path to fulfilling our purpose.
For 450 years, tea ceremony has been a guide, teaching us the art of opening our hearts and living in harmony with ourselves and the world. Embrace this wisdom, and walk in your chosen path with grace and intention.
The Japanese art of tea, known as The Way of Tea, is far more than a simple ceremony. The term “道” (do, meaning “the way”) reflects a philosophy deeply rooted in Japanese culture, akin to the spiritual paths found in Zen Buddhism and the principles of Bushido. This “way” transcends the simple act of making tea. It is a practice that integrates mindfulness, aesthetics, and the spirit of hospitality into everyday life.
Unlike the phrase “tea ceremony,” which may evoke the image of a formal event, The Way of Tea captures the spiritual and artistic dimensions of this centuries-old tradition. It is a living art passed down for over 450 years, reflecting the harmony of nature, the changing seasons, and the human connection we share over a humble bowl of tea.
Through this experience, we invite you to discover the deeper essence of Japanese culture-a harmonious union of elegance, philosophy, and heartfelt hospitality.
A Special Moment to Savour Japanese Culture
For four and a half centuries, the traditional Japanese art of tea, known as The Way of Tea, has been passed down through generations.
To share its profound beauty in a way that is easy to understand and enjoyable for English-speaking guests, we endeavor to provide a truly immersive experience of the charm of tea ceremony.
Questions and Curiosity Are Always Welcome
In recent years, more and more guests arrive with prior knowledge of tea ceremony. Those guests might be looking for a deeper understanding so we welcome your curiosity and will try our best to answer all of your questions clearly and thoughtfully. However, even first-time participants can feel at ease and enjoy the experience.
Aesthetics of the Tea Ceremony and Samurai Hospitality were Fostered Under the Kaga Hyakumangoku
The prosperity of the Kaga Hyakumangoku was not merely about economic power. It also led to the flourishing of cultural traditions, particularly the tea ceremony. The ruling Maeda family highly valued tea culture, following the traditions of Kobori Enshu, founder of the Enshu school of tea. Tea ceremony was cultivated not only as an art form, but also as an essential part of a samurai’s education and refined hospitality.
Within the Kaga Domain, the practice of tea thrived through the tea rooms of the feudal lords as well as in Kanazawa’s many temples. Even today, the sprit of tea ceremony continues to flourish embodying the “iki” and refined aesthetics of the Kaga Hyakumangoku. We can be confident this cultural tradition will carry its spirit well into the future.
What is Kaga Hyakumangoku?
“Kaga Hyakumangoku” refers to the Kaga Domain, one of the most powerful and prosperous domains in Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1868). It spanned the present-day Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures and was ruled by the Maeda family.
The term “Hyakumangoku” signifies an annual rice yield of one million koku. In modern terms, on koku is roughly equivalent to 300,000 yen. This immense wealth made the Kaga Domain the richest feudal domain at the time.
Senior Tea Master
Sakai Sohmin
My mission is to carry forward the essence of Japan’s unique culture, the "Way of Tea," into the future.
I operate two distinguished tea ceremony schools and provide an exclusive experience for international guests seeking to immerse themselves in the art of the tea ceremony.
Simply learning the etiquette and formalities of the tea ceremony is not enough to truly grasp its essence.
What I have come to realize through years of teaching is that understanding the deeper philosophy behind each movement—the harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility—creates a profound connection to Japanese culture.
The tea ceremony is not a relic of the past nor an outdated tradition. It is a living art—an intimate moment where host and guest connect heart to heart, a sanctuary where one can rediscover balance in an ever-changing world.
For those who seek a refined and traditional cultural experience, I invite you to step into this timeless world and discover the beauty of Japan through the spirit of tea.