(Chanoyu) E-mail: Wendy_Nagel@hotmail.com
What is Chado?
Tea is a beverage enjoyed world wide. The custom of drinking tea was introduced into Japan from China in the 12th century. Zen monks used it to relieve drowsiness during meditation. Later members of the aristocracy and upper class samurai drank it for medicinal purposes. It became an extravagant pastime for leisured class. Sen Rikyu, tea master to Shogun Hideyoshi, in the 16th century brought tea drinking to a simple custom embracing artistic, philosophical, moral and social aspects which expressed Japanese culture as Chado, the way of Tea. For the 400 years since then Chado has been continued by Rikyu's descendants and followers. Today Urasenke is led by Grand Tea Master Sen Soshitsu XV. He has introduced Tea in the world outside Japan with the message "Peace through a bowl of tea". Members of Sydney Chapter belong to the Urasenke school, whose Headquarters, based in Kyoto, has a representative in Sydney. The chapter has several teachers each having their own group of students while cooperating for chapter activities. Our membership comes from both the Australia and Japanese communities. The etiquette of Tea and its application in preparing and presenting a meal in a tea house environment is the focus of Chanoyu study. Chapter members, as they learn how to prepare powdered tea, also learn about the traditional arts and crafts of Japan. These range from fabrics and dress through wood, lacquer, ceramics, and metal to architecture, calligraphy and garden style. Another important aspect of their tea education is the care and conservation of artistic wares. The essence of Chado is found in four principles: Tea is WA(harmony), KEI(respect), SEI(purity) and JAKU(tranquility). These are realized in the tea room through the interaction of host and guest. Chado encompasses more than simply drinking a cup of tea. The west has spoken of Chado as "tea ceremony". In Japan cha means tea and do means way or road. It is the highest expression of hospitality and exemplifies Japanese culture.
1. An annual Chakai is held with all members participating. Chakai is a tea meeting or gathering. When we invite guests, we prepare tea from powdered leaves (unlike the tea in Japanese homes) within a formal frameworks that, over hundreds of years, has proved to be practical and efficient. In the seclusion of the tea room, away from the stresses of the outside world, guests enjoy an inner calm while they share the fleeting occasion carefully presented for them by their host. 2. Demonstrations of Chanoyu (literally, hot water for tea) for interested groups. Members show a typical presentation of tea with an explanation. 3. Study class for learning special subjects. 4. Kimono workshop for learning how to put on Kimono. 5. Cooking class for making Japanese sweets and learning kaiseki cooking. 6. Assist in large public demonstrations arranged by the Urasenke Representative.
April 2002		Exhibition center at Darling Harbor in Sydney 4 days demonstration for Santen Pharmaceutical Co., at the World Meeting of Ophthalmologists
March 2002		M One Day Class of Chado (Tea ceremony) Introduction at Japan Cultural Centre, Sydney
January 2002		Demonstration for Ladies' Rotary Club in Sydney
November 2001		Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Sydney Demonstration for Japanese Contemporary Art Exhibition
June 2001		University of New South Wales Demonstration for International Contemporary Art Exhibition
January 2001		Charity demonstration for Gosford Art Gallery
May 2000		Charity demonstration for Northhaven Retirement Village
Epping Mrs. Rosaleen McVittie 02-9876-2189 Sat 11:00-15:00 Mrs. Joyce Milledge 02-9150-8947 Mr. John Henderson Northbridge Mrs. Yayoi Maloney 02-4787-2136 Fri 13:00- (Twice a month) City Mrs. Ryoko Freeman 02-9251-4787 Wed 15:00-20:00 Further information: contact Mrs. Ryoko Freeman 02-9251-4787
Click the images to enlarge.
Tea Ceremony at St. Mary Cathedra Tea Ceremony Presentation