The Japanese tea ceremony is a unique
Japanese cultural tradition, which began in the
15th century. The philosophy of tea ceremony,
which has been shaped by its origins in Zen
Buddhism, rests on these principles: Wa -
Harmony, Kei - Respect, Sei - Purity, and Jaku -
Serenity.
Classes will be
taught by Akiko Soki Sensei, a licensed
instructor in the Urasenke tradition.
One-day Introductory Course:
a 2 1/2 hour course to introduce potential students
of Chanoyu to the history and study of this art.
Participants will learn about the methods of tea
preparation, the etiquette of the study and the
history of the ceremony. Participation in an actual
tea ceremony is included in this course.
Introductory Course I: (8 weeks)
Introductory Course I is suitable for beginning
students of Chanoyu. This course offers an
opportunity to learn about the simple preparation of
tea in 8 lessons. The structure of the class
emphasizes the fundamentals and the roles of both
host and guest. Students start by learning how to
walk in the tea room, stand and sit on tatami mats,
and make a bowl of thin tea with Ryakubon temae
(abbreviated tray procedure). Students should feel
free to take this course as a one-time
experience. Further course details will be provided
at the first class.
Class Schedule:
Mondays, 6:00-8:00 pm, for 8 classes
Course Fee:
JCI Members $175, Non-members $200
(All supplies such as Japanese sweets and Japanese
green powder tea are included in the cost for the
class)
Introductory Course II: (8 weeks)
After Introductory Course I, some students may want
to continue to study tea; however, she/he may want
to focus on fundamentals a little more before moving
onto continuing classes. This course is for those
desiring to learn more about tea fundamentals and
needing a review. This course emphasizes the
fundamentals with forms that comprise all tea
procedures. At the end of the course, students will
be able to make a bowl of thin tea using basic
procedures, including complete preparation
procedures. Further course details will be provided
at the first class.
Continuing classes: The continuing level of
classes is suitable for students who have taken the
Introductory courses, and for students who desire a
deeper or long term study of tea. Under the Urasenke
tradition of tea study, classes range from
introductory, beginning, intermediate, and
advanced. In each class, students practice
traditional procedures for making tea. Instruction
covers how to care for and handle utensils, which
are works of art applied to the study of tea.
Classes are taught in both English and Japanese. Chanoyu
study may last a lifetime. Students are encouraged
to learn at their own pace and enjoy the peaceful
time. Like most traditional art forms, in order to
initiate and mark students' progress, licenses can
be requested from Urasenke Konnichian in Kyoto,
headquarters of the Urasenke Tradition of
Tea. Details will be provided upon request. Tuition
is requested per month, and per class for a special
study.
