About Chado
“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 with each other is the paradox that is the Way of Tea.”
-Dr. Soshitsu Sen, Urasenke Grand Tea Master XV
"Chado" (literally "the Way of Tea") is a synthesis of numerous arts and philosophies that combine into a systemized method of preparing, serving and drinking tea.
Chado is a discipline nourished and refined by the Japanese since the fifteenth century. It is based on the simple act of boiling water, making tea, offering it to others, and drinking of it ourselves. Served with a respectful heart and received with gratitude, a bowl satisfies both the physical and spiritual thirst. The timeless guides that each student follows in their pursuit of Chado represent an unbroken tradition that brings together social etiquette, Asian artistic traditions and philosophies, awareness of seasonal changes and the essence of Zen Buddhism. Incorporating them into daily life helps one to find that unassailable place of tranquility that is within each of us.
When people are invited to a gathering to drink tea, they can anticipate sitting in a small room in seclusion from the everyday world. The host will have the room immaculate, hang a scroll, arrange flowers, prepare a fire to boil the water for tea, and perhaps offer a light meal. All of this is done with the intention of making the gathering as pleasant as possible for the guest. Sitting quietly together, one’s focus gently and naturally comes into the present moment where the uniqueness of each moment may be appreciated in its fullness.
The study of Chado cultivates physical discipline and concentration and may be enjoyed as a lifelong study. Although much has been written about Chado's meditative qualities, quiet aesthetic, graceful dignity and its importance within Japanese culture, written words fail to communicate its totality. Chado is based upon personal experience and deep reflection; the Chado experience leaves one with a profound feeling of well-being and nourishes the soul.
Next Page | Brief Tea Drinking History in Japan 1, 2, 3, 4