Learning About Tea Ceremony

486 Words2 Pages
What was most impressive thing in learning about Tea Ceremony? Tea Ceremony is a new exposure for me and I have gained a lot of knowledge and information from this lecture. There are some things that I find impressive from the Tea Ceremony. First, I did not expect that some of the important essence of life may be obtain by practicing the way of tea. The four important concepts, which are most needed, are wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (purity), and jaku (tranquility) where they are the keys to train and instill discipline in the body and mind. Tea Ceremony is far from ordinary tea making that we usually practice at home or see in local cafes. It is conducted in a suitable place with the proper utensils in order to nurture and implemented these four concepts in one self. When I first watched the video on making the tea, I find it utterly ridiculous as the moves are very slow and strict and I find it a waste of time. But as I dig deeper, I found that patience and high etiquettes could grow and nurture. I believe that in the process of making the best tea and being enjoyed by guests is by doing it with the right and careful handling. (FIGURE 1) (FIGURE 2) In fact, if we observe carefully every precise and detail steps taken in the making actually help to polish our inner spiritual and patience (FIGURE 1). In today’s globalized and hectic world, without these important features, one may get lost and empty in life. Another thing I found impressive is the act of bowing to the host and second guest before sipping the tea. I am amazed as it is a rare social gesture in today’s picture for people to do such a way before they start doing something. This is a good example on how manners are very important to inculcate respect among others regardless of age or social ranks. Tea ceremony also in fact helps to cleanse and purify one’s inner self (FIGURE 2).
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