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The Cha No Yu: the Japanese Tea Ceremony

The "Cha No Yu" meaning hot water originatedMurata Shuko's original teahouse was lightly
as a Buddhist ritual. Eisai, the Buddhistdecorated to reflect the true meaning of the
Monk was famous for creating the Zen of thistea ceremony; showing a simplistic way of
ceremony, as well as for planting the firstliving. The teahouse in Japan today is called
tea plants in Uji, a region near Kyoto Japan.a "Chashitsu." To reach this pavilion one
These tea gardens are now famous, and tea ismust walk up a garden path reminiscent of a
a way of life for the Japanese. Tea,mountain path. The simplistic surroundings of
therefore; became popular throughout Japanthe teahouse includes tatami mats, paper
and by the mid fifteenth century, Japanesepanels and wood. A painted scroll is above
monasteries had copied communal living fromthe alcove, flowers are placed in a vase and
China. These "Sung" rules or rules of livingthe kettle sits within a sunken hearth. Fine
included how to prepare and consume tea, andporcelain is imported from China and includes
were held in special tea houses throughoutstoneware dishes, ladle, spatula, bamboo
Japan.whisk and cast iron teapot. After a light
meal, the host serves "Matcha" a green fine
The preparation and drinking of tea includespowdered tea called "Gyokuro" and is whipped
the Cha No Yu ceremony. The rules of thiswith hot water to make "Koicha" tea. Strong
ceremony were founded by Murata Shukotea is served first; followed by a weak tea;
(1422-1522), which includes inviting a fewsipped slowly to find inner strength and
esteemed guests or drinking the tea alone.harmony.
There is a pattern or ritual which is closely
followed when preparing and partaking of theThe Cha No Yu is an art perfected today in
precious tea. This highly refined art formJapan, and is taken with great care and
includes the Zen, a philosophy thatattention to detail. Over the century Cha No
symbolizes purity of spirit and soul, whichYu's rules have been perfected and refined.
become joined together when sipping the tea.Tea masters have spent many years studying
The Cha and the Zen are also linked in thethis ceremony, but the essentials have always
ceremony. Guests meditate and find peaceremained the same, which are defined as
within their souls as they sip their tea. Theserenity, purity, harmony and respect,
Cha No Yu reflects the values and culture ofotherwise  known  as  "The  Way  of  Tea."
the Japanese, and takes place in a beautiful
yet  simple  teahouse.Written by: Deidre R.



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