The Art of Tea (Japanese Tea Ceremony)

Contemplative Arts: The Art of Tea (Japanese Tea Ceremony)
Preparing and serving a bowl of tea is a discipline of mindfulness and awareness, a celebration of the senses and a journey to open heart.
May 26, 2007 (12:30-4pm)



Sign-up for this training below, at the Center, or by contacting
Todd Russell

Teacher: Sheila Fling
Prerequisite Training: None

tea
Chanoyu literally means "hot water for tea." The art of Chanoyu, preparing and serving a bowl of tea, is a synthesis of many Japanese arts such as flower arranging, calligraphy, poetry, ceramics, lacquerware, cooking, architecture, gardening, and more. As meditation in action, the practice of tea developed in Japan alongside the practice of Zen Buddhism. The tea master Sen Rikyu (1522-1591) studied tea from an early age and received Zen training at Daitoku-ji temple in Kyoto. It was Rikyu who joined the ordinary aspects of daily life with spiritual practice in what has been passed down to the present as the Way of Tea. Leaving familiar reference points of the world behind, hosts and guests create a gentle moment, without past or future. Preparing and serving a bowl of tea is a discipline of mindfulness and awareness, a celebration of the senses and a journey to open heart.

The Tea Ceremony Workshop will begin at 12:30 pm, with lunch provided to all workshop participants and the workshop will end at 4 pm. Persons who plan to attend the Tea Ceremony Workshop on May 26th must register in advance by signing the registration roster at the Center or by emailing your intentions to Todd Russell. An accurate count of the number of participants is necessary in order to prepare lunch. The recommended donation for this workshop is $25 (Members), $35 (Non-Members), and $15 (Students w/ID). The Contemplative Arts Council is making available a limited number of scholarships to individuals who may be unable to give the recommended donation, but who are willing to provide service and assistance during the workshop. Persons interested in more information about the Program Scholarship, or any aspect of the Ikebana Workshop, can contact Todd Russell (trussell@satx.rr.com or 210-348-7791).
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