Tea is not just a mere beverage; it's a product of labor and a bearer of culture.
Tea culture is the artful fusion of the material and spiritual dimensions, encompassing and embodying the civilization of a specific era.
Tea culture is the amalgamation of the art of tea and the spirit it carries, expressing this spirit through the medium of tea art. The Tea Ceremony culture epitomizes this fusion, encapsulating its core principles of "harmony, respect, purity, and silence."
In the context of the Tea Ceremony, "Wa" symbolizes harmony and joy, serving as the guiding spirit throughout the ceremony. Harmony extends beyond mere aesthetics, encompassing the emotional harmony experienced by participants.
In a limited tea room, "harmony" permeates every sensory aspect of the ceremony.
Regardless of its shape, a well-crafted tea bowl must provide a pleasant tactile experience, ensuring guests do not find it too cold, heavy, or light while sipping their tea.
The aroma in the tea room should be gentle and delicate, softly diffusing through the space, striking a harmonious balance between the participants and their environment.
The positioning of windows plays a crucial role in determining the quality of light within the tea room. As the filtered light streams through the white paper, it should cast a gentle, inviting glow, setting the stage for meditation—a harmony between the sense of light and the essence of tea.
As the wind rustles through the old trees surrounding the tea room, the symphony of leaves and the bubbling of boiling water harmonize, creating a serene ambiance that perfectly embodies the spirit of the Tea Ceremony.
The amalgamation of an inviting environment and the inner beauty of the participants culminate in the musical "harmony" that resonates within the tea room.
"Sei" represents cleanliness and neatness cherished in culture. In the Tea Ceremony, "Sei" transcends the physical realm; it pertains to the purification of the soul.
In the open expanse of the tea garden, tea masters meticulously sprinkle water, maintaining a pristine environment.
Even the charcoal used for boiling water must undergo a cleansing ritual to remove impurities. These practices serve to cleanse not only the external but also the internal, facilitating the purification of the heart.
"Silence" represents the ultimate state of the tea ceremony, defining its very essence. Conceptually, the Tea Ceremony shares a deep connection, where "Silence" in Sanskrit denotes "stillness, peace, and stability."
Within the context of the Tea Ceremony, "Silence" aligns closely with "Purity and Solitude," signifying that practitioners, after releasing all worldly attachments, enter a realm of nothingness devoid of sound and color.
Tea enthusiasts detach from inherent aesthetic values and shed preconceived notions, paving the way for a unique artistic expression to emerge. "Silence" within the tea ceremony signifies the removal of delusions and worries from the mind, ultimately leading to a state of pure, thoughtless existence—the ultimate goal of the Tea Ceremony.
