JET Programme Series: The Way of Tea - Rishma Hansil
2021/2/1
JET Programme Series: The Way of Tea - Rishma Hansil
My love of matcha first drew me to the tea ceremony but I was surprised to know that tea was only the beginning. Attending a Japanese Tea Ceremony is one the best ways to immerse yourself in the traditional arts of Japan. It encapsulates many unique aspects of Japanese culture: lacquer wares, calligraphy, Zen Buddhism, Kimono, traditional desserts like "wagashi" 和菓子 and others.
The Japanese Tea ceremony 茶道, chadō, literally means “the way of tea” or 茶の湯, chanoyu. As with other "dō" (Judō, Kendō, Shodō for example) it teaches mindfulness and lessons from Zen Buddhism are echoed in the practice. The purpose of the ceremony is to ensure everyone is focused on the present moment, which is why wearing a watch is prohibited in the tea room. In a world as fast paced as ours it provides a much needed break.
During my time in Japan I've had the special opportunity to learn and practice with students at Shimada Sensei's Tea School, guided by Shimada Sensei herself. This connection has sparked opportunities for cultural exchange; students are eager to learn about Trinidad & Tobago and I am just as curious about Japan.
Amidst the hustle of everyday life, I encourage you to make a cup of green tea and enjoy every minute of it. If only for a moment you have found the "way of tea."
Rishma Hansil
JET (Japanese Exchange & Teaching) Program Assistant Langauge Teacher
Tokyo City
JET Programme Series: The Way of Tea (Japanese Embassy Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
The Japanese Tea ceremony 茶道, chadō, literally means “the way of tea” or 茶の湯, chanoyu. As with other "dō" (Judō, Kendō, Shodō for example) it teaches mindfulness and lessons from Zen Buddhism are echoed in the practice. The purpose of the ceremony is to ensure everyone is focused on the present moment, which is why wearing a watch is prohibited in the tea room. In a world as fast paced as ours it provides a much needed break.
During my time in Japan I've had the special opportunity to learn and practice with students at Shimada Sensei's Tea School, guided by Shimada Sensei herself. This connection has sparked opportunities for cultural exchange; students are eager to learn about Trinidad & Tobago and I am just as curious about Japan.
Amidst the hustle of everyday life, I encourage you to make a cup of green tea and enjoy every minute of it. If only for a moment you have found the "way of tea."
Rishma Hansil
JET (Japanese Exchange & Teaching) Program Assistant Langauge Teacher
Tokyo City
JET Programme Series: The Way of Tea (Japanese Embassy Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives