| The "Cha No Yu" meaning hot water originated | | | | Murata Shuko's original teahouse was lightly |
| as a Buddhist ritual. Eisai, the Buddhist | | | | decorated to reflect the true meaning of the |
| Monk was famous for creating the Zen of this | | | | tea ceremony; showing a simplistic way of |
| ceremony, as well as for planting the first | | | | living. 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 is | | | | must 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 Japan | | | | the teahouse includes tatami mats, paper |
| and by the mid fifteenth century, Japanese | | | | panels and wood. A painted scroll is above |
| monasteries had copied communal living from | | | | the alcove, flowers are placed in a vase and |
| China. These "Sung" rules or rules of living | | | | the kettle sits within a sunken hearth. Fine |
| included how to prepare and consume tea, and | | | | porcelain is imported from China and includes |
| were held in special tea houses throughout | | | | stoneware 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 includes | | | | powdered tea called "Gyokuro" and is whipped |
| the Cha No Yu ceremony. The rules of this | | | | with hot water to make "Koicha" tea. Strong |
| ceremony were founded by Murata Shuko | | | | tea is served first; followed by a weak tea; |
| (1422-1522), which includes inviting a few | | | | sipped 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 the | | | | The Cha No Yu is an art perfected today in |
| precious tea. This highly refined art form | | | | Japan, and is taken with great care and |
| includes the Zen, a philosophy that | | | | attention to detail. Over the century Cha No |
| symbolizes purity of spirit and soul, which | | | | Yu'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 the | | | | this ceremony, but the essentials have always |
| ceremony. Guests meditate and find peace | | | | remained the same, which are defined as |
| within their souls as they sip their tea. The | | | | serenity, purity, harmony and respect, |
| Cha No Yu reflects the values and culture of | | | | otherwise 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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