茶道
Chanoyu—Japanese Tea Ceremony
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By Teri Mitchell | Published April 2006
 The founder of the current form of Chanoyu: Senno-
Rikyu taught the understanding of Chanoyu in Shiki
Shichisoku.
Shiki is 和Wa, 敬Kei, 清Sei, and 寂Jaku that are harmony,
respect, purity and tranquility.
Shichisoku is as follows:
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Make a satisfying bowl of tea
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Lay the charcoal so that the water boils efficiently
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Provide a sense of warmth in winter and coolness in
summer
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Arrange the flowers as those they were in the field
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Be ready ahead of time
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Be prepared in case it should rain
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Act with utmost consideration towards your guests.
These are the manners how to treat the other people,
indicating “with all your heart, grasp the essence, value
the sense of the seasons, respect life, feel free of pressure,
be gentle-hearted, and respect each other”.
(To be continued…)
書道
Shodo—Japanese Calligraphy
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Kukai 空海
Fushinjo 風信帖 by Kukai
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The most famous Shoka (Japanese calligrapher) was probably the Buddhist
monk Kukai. One story records how the Emperor Tokusokutei asked him to
rewrite a section of a badly damaged five paneled screen.
We even have proverbs using his name that are “Kobo mo fude no ayamari”
and “Kobo fude o erabazu”. Kobo is another name for Kukai. The former
means: Even an expert like Kobo can make a mistake (“Homer sometimes
nods”), the latter means: An expert like Kobo can handle any tool (“A poor
workman blames his tools”).
Kukai is also known as one of the Sanpitsu, lined with Emperor Saga and
Tachibanano Hayanari. Sanpitsu are from the 9th century, who followed the
Chinese calligraphy style. On the other hand, they were exploring their own
styles that were a bridge to the Japanese style.
(To be continued…)
 Teri
Mitchell, Shoji is a Shodo artist from Yokohama, JAPAN. She
gives private Lessons in Shodo (Japanese calligraphy), Nihongo
(Japanese language) and Japanese cooking in the NW Orlando
area, also performs Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony).
email: teri_mitchell@hotmail.com |
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