Learning the link between Japanese Tea Ceremony and Sustainability

Zenbird Media held the “Japanese Tea Ceremony & Sustainability” online event on 21 April, with our guest speakers, Yayoi sensei from Mushakoujisenke school, Anai sensei Sekishu school, and Teshima sensei from Omotesenke school. The event explored what links there were between the ancient Japanese Tea Ceremony and modern concept of sustainability.

Yayoi sensei warmed up the session with her charismatic introduction, quickly setting the friendly mood of the tea sessions. Yayoi sensei first gave us a look at the typical tea room, made almost entirely of organic materials of wood and bamboo. The scroll and flowers in the alcove also played a key role to help the guest purify their hearts and mind.

Throughout the two tea ceremonies, other sustainable themes were introduced. For example, from the beginning of the first tea session, we discovered how the tea room was built so that everyone are at equal standing with each other, regardless of their status outside of the tea room. Careful thought was given to other participants, the host making the tea thinking about guests, and the guests, thinking about the host and other guests.

Tangible aspects were also explored, like how many of the tools are made out of wood and bamboo and given high value through craftsmanship, so they’d be treasured. Responding to a question from our audience, we also talked about the kimono, from using natural dyes, to the passing down of kimonos from generation to generation, and how kimono makers make kimonos to be beautiful and lasting.

Of course, the event covered many interesting aspects of tea ceremonies too. The three sensei compared notes on the slight differences between the different tea schools. We also saw how tea ceremonies have adapted in different ways (which is also an aspect of sustainability!). We even got a look at a grail-like tea bowl, meant to be held during horse riding!

There were a lot more our tea ceremony senseis could share, but unfortunately time ran out. For this event, we also named Genki Curry in Nara Prefecture as a benefactor, where we donated a meal to vulnerable children for every participant. 17 meals were donated to Genki Curry.