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