|
||||||||||
| The
custom of Drinking teas was introduced to Japan in the 12th century,
and first used by Zen monks to relieve drowsiness during meditation.
Later members of the aristocracy and upper-class samurai drank it
for its medicinal properties. Also, tea guessing contents, a form
of gambling, developed as an extravagant pastime of the leisured class.
In the 16th century, Sen Rikyu, brought to the simple custom of tea
drinking, philosophical, religious, artistic, moral and social aspects
to form a comprehensive synthesis of Japanese culture which became
Chado, the Way of Tea. For the 400 years since that time, Chado has
been continued by the descendants and disciples of Rikyu. The Urasenke
tradition of Tea, is headed by Soshitsu Sen, the fifteenth generation
direct descendant of Sen Rikyu. Under Soshitsu Sen's leadership, there
are now more than two million studying Chado in Japan and throughout
the world. The essence of Chado is found in four principles: harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Harmony means the pleasing, consonance brought about by the interaction of the host, guest, tea, utensils, cuisine, with the flowing rhythms of nature. Respect is having a pure and sincere heart which recognises the intrinsic dignity of our fellow human beings, our environment and nature. Purity is cleaning our bodies and spirits and keeping our surroundings immaculate to enjoy tea. Tranquility, the last principle, is achieved when the other three principles are brought to reality. It is the stillness which comes from a heart that is set free from the cares of the world, that is, a peaceful heart. In Chado, differences of rank and station in life are cast aside, and like-minded people are brought together to enjoy tea. Chado exalts the spirit which values human relationships. The special nature of the moment is expressed in the phrase "Ichigo, ichie" (once in a lifetime opportunity). The host puts his entire heart into making the tea for the guest he was welcomed, and the guest drinks the tea with a feeling of gratitude for the host's efforts. The host and the guest both realise that this particular moment will not return a second time, and treasuring the transciency of the moment, all of the participants share the special nature of the unique experience. Because the Way of Tea teaches us humans - who cannot know the future - about life and how to live each day fully, it's philosophy is able to transcend barriers of race and country. The phase "Peacefulness through a bowl of tea" expresses the strong desire of the fifteenth generation grand master of Urasenke, Dr Soshitsu Sen, to contribute to world peace and to the happiness of the human race though Chado. |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
 |
||||||||||
 |
||||||||||
| 2008 |  |
2008 Kitanodai Gagaku Kenkyukai, Chiba, Japan | ||||||||
| 2007 | |
2007 Cowra Japanese Garden | ||||||||
| 1993 | |
Urasenke Foundation Sydney Branch, Brisbane Liaison Office and other Individual teachers' homes | ||||||||
|
Japan Culture Center, Sydney | |||||||||
| 1994 | |
The
University of Newcastle Monash University |
||||||||
| 1974 | |
The University of Queensland | ||||||||
 |
||||||||||
| September 2006 | |
The Year of Exchange: The Way of Tea with Urasenke Lecture at ACT Australian Gallery and Tea Presentation at Cowra War Cenetery by Dr. Genshitu SEN. | ||||||||
| Every Year | |
'Sakura-Matsuri' Cowra Japanese Garden | ||||||||
| August 2004 | |
Donation for Cowra Japanese Garden and Cowra Japanese Sematory Demonstration for the event of Sixtieth Anniversary COWRA BREAKOUT, COWRA | ||||||||
| November 2003 | |
Shoyoen Sister City Garden, Dubbo | ||||||||
| June 2003 | |
Demonstration for the Rotary International Convention, Brisbane | ||||||||
| May 2001 | |
'Monet and Japan' at National Gallery of Australia, ACT | ||||||||
| September 1998 | |
Tea Ceremoney at St. Mary Cathedral in Sydney by Dr Soko IZUMI | ||||||||
| November 1995 | |
Their
Imperial Highnesses, Prince and Princess Akishino, for Prime Minister
and Mrs Paul Keating, and to the distinguished guests from all sectors
of the Australian community at the Embassy of Japan, ACT Yamaha Osaka Cup at Consul General's Resident, Melbourne |
||||||||
| 1992 | |
The Governor of Queensland at Asia week in Fortitude Valley | ||||||||
| 1988 | |
The Prime Minister, Mr N Takeshita, at his visit to Expo 88 in the Japanese pavilion in Brisbane | ||||||||
| 1975 | |
Red Cross Ethnic Communities at Government House at Bardon in Brisbane | ||||||||
 |
||||||||||
| 1995 | |
Ube
City & Newcastle City Sister city Program at Newcastle Penrith and Fujieda City Iwaki City & Townsville Sister city Program at Townsville |
||||||||
| 1994 | |
Wellington and Sakai City | ||||||||
 |
||||||||||
| May 2006 | |
The Year of Exchange: Urasenke Tradition at [Syo-yo-en] Dubbo | ||||||||
| August 2004 | |
Tafe College at Dubbo City: Intensive Course for Japanese Culture | ||||||||
| 2003 | |
Dubbo
City Council Intensive Course for Japanese Culture |
||||||||
| 1996 | |
Newcastle
Art Gallery For Art Club member of NSW Art Gallery at Mrs Mc Vittie's Residence |
||||||||
| 1995 - 1996 | |
Japanese Language Intensive Course for Teachers at Japan Culture Centre | ||||||||
| 1994 | |
Educaiton Department of NSW at Tarry/ Yarrammundi/ Cambeltown Art Gallery | ||||||||
| Click the images to enlarge. | ||||||||||
|
||||||||||
