The Philosophy of the Tea Ceremony
As explained in the previous installment, the tea ceremony contains elements of self-discipline aimed at exploring the true nature of things. Beyond wabi-sabi, there are many other important concepts within the tea ceremony. Here, I would like to introduce some of them.
1. Wa–Kei–Sei–Jaku (和敬清寂)
This is a well-known principle that expresses the fundamental mindset required in the practice of the tea ceremony.
- Wa (Harmony): The host and guests open their hearts to one another and share a sense of harmony and friendliness.
- Kei (Respect): To show sincere respect toward one another.
- Sei (Purity): Not only outward cleanliness, but also purity of the heart and mind.
- Jaku (Tranquility): A calm and composed state of mind that remains unshaken in any situation, allowing one to face others with quiet serenity.
2. Ichigo Ichie (一期一会)
Ichigo means “one lifetime.” The encounter with the guests you meet today is a precious meeting that will happen only once in your entire life. Therefore, this teaching encourages us to cherish each moment and do our very best within it.
It reminds us to be grateful for every encounter and to live fully in the present moment.
3. Equality and Peace
This concept corresponds to the “wa” (harmony) and “kei” (respect) in the principle of Wa–Kei–Sei–Jaku.
The entrance to the tea room is called the nijiriguchi (crawling entrance). It is extremely small, requiring everyone—regardless of social status—to bow their heads and lower themselves as they enter. In fact, the nijiriguchi is a square measuring about two shaku on each side (approximately 60–70 cm). Additionally, samurai are not allowed to bring their swords into the tea room.
Through this design, the tea room becomes a place where all people meet as equals, fostering peace and mutual respect.
The Crawling Entrance of Tai-an, a National Treasure
In addition, the guests share koicha (thick tea) by passing the bowl and drinking from it together. Drinking matcha directly from the same bowl is not something that can be done easily unless there is mutual trust and openness of heart. By sharing a single bowl of matcha, a sense of unity is naturally created among the participants.
At a time when social hierarchies were extremely rigid, this practice was truly revolutionary. Through the tea ceremony, Sen no Rikyū sought to create a world in which people could cherish one another as equals.
4. Purification
One concept that is especially important in Japanese culture—including the tea ceremony—is “purification.”
For example, before welcoming guests, the host sprinkles water along the garden path leading to the tea room to cleanse the space. Before preparing the tea, the host also purifies the utensils in front of the guests.
In Japanese culture, impurity is deeply disliked. Dirt, dust, and cluttered or disorganized spaces are believed to invite defilement and misfortune. This belief is one reason why Japanese people are known for their strong sense of cleanliness.
In the context of the tea ceremony, however, “purification” goes far beyond simply cleaning to make things look neat. It means calming the mind, dispelling distractions and negative energy from the space, and removing even the invisible impurities of the spirit.
Purifying the Chashaku (Tea Scoop)
Simply explained, the tea ceremony is “a way of welcoming and serving guests with tea.”
However, beneath this simplicity lies a deep sense of respect for others and a Zen spirit that purifies the mind itself—a form of mindfulness that people in any era continue to value.
The reason the tea ceremony is loved across generations and beyond national borders is because people deeply resonate with this underlying philosophy.
