Tea Times June, July & August 2010
We teach ongoing weekly classes in the Urasenke tradition of Chanoyu from beginner to advanced levels. If you would like to experience Chanoyu first hand, and have a lesson on being a guest, we have scheduled 3 dates. Please email or telephone for either Monday, June 21, July 26 or August 23, at 7p.m. Fee $20. Please Email us to make a reservation or for more information about these special classes.
Chabana, the art of flower arranging for Chanoyu, will be the focus of this hands-on workshop. Chabana has deep roots in the more stylized Ikebana arrangements. This simpler style was used in the tearoom by early tea masters when they invited guests for tea. This workshop will include a discussion of the principles of chabana as well as an overview of the various styles of vases and baskets that can be used. Participants will enjoy guided practice in making arrangements. Sweets and tea will be served at the end of the workshop.
The theme of the tea will be tanabata, the star festival, an ancient Chinese legend that has been celebrated in Japan from the 8th century. The legend centers around two stars, Vega, the weaver maiden and Altair, the herdsman. The heavenly king allowed the two lovers to meet once a year on the 7th night of the 7th moon. They would meet on a bridge formed by the outstretched wings of heavenly magpies, but only if it were a clear night. If not they were forced to wait another year. Traditional seasonal sweets, tea and a tenshin style kaiseki meal will be served. No prior experience is necessary.
This workshop will include a demonstration of the basic points in creating the nimonji oshikiri ash formation. There will also be a discussion of the various styles of haigata used at the Urasenke School of Tea. Participants are encouraged to bring their own brazier for guided practice. Sweets and tea will be served.
Daimonji okuribi is the "Great Bonfire" event observed in Kyoto on Aug. 16, to end the observance of obon, the All Souls Festival. A great fire in the shape of the character dai, or big, is lit on the side of a Kyoto hillside to send ancestors back after their yearly 3 day visit. Families travel throughout Japan to their hometowns for this yearly ritual. Various seasonal utensils will be used during the tea. Traditional seasonal sweets and tea will be served. This event is open to anyone wishing to enjoy Japanese culture through Chanoyu, the tea ceremony. No prior experience is necessary.
These special workshops will introduce first time participants to the Zen choreography in making a bowl of tea. Participants will have guided practice in all of the steps necessary to prepare a tasty bowl of matcha, powdered green tea, with an open mind and pure heart. This workshop will be a good introduction for those who wish to further pursue their study of Chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony.
* Please Email sfteatimes@yahoo.com, for more information or to make reservations. Advance payment by mail will confirm your email reservations. As space is limited, cancellations must be made not later than 5-days before each event to receive a refund. Thank you.
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