Chado

Chado incorporates an array of sensibilities: social etiquette, Asian artistic traditions and philosophy, attention to the seasons, and the essence of Zen Buddhism. This construct allows one to achieve the four principles of the Japanese Tea Ceremony: harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. 

The emotion derived from Chado is conceptual: your focus naturally flows into the present, where the uniqueness of each moment can be savored. The host focuses entirely on serving a cup of tea; the guest, entirely on receiving tea with gratitude. In doing so, the host and guest foster a true sense of tranquility. 

We are honoured to have esteemed master, Mrs. Saikaino of the Urasenke Foundation, as our teacher. Call (604) 878-3000 for more information and appointments. For more information about Urasenke please refer to www.urasenke.org



Chado – the way of tea
"In my own hands I hold a bowl of tea; I see all of nature represented in its green color. 
Closing my eyes, I find green mountains and pure water within my own heart. 
Silently, sitting alone, drinking tea, I can feel these become part of me. 
Sharing this bowl of tea with others, they too, become one with it and with nature. 
That we can find a lasting tranquility in our own selves in company with each other is the paradox that is the Way of Tea."

Chado is based upon the simple act of boiling water, making tea, offering it to others, and drinking of it ourselves. Served with a respectful heart and received with gratitude, a bowl of tea satisfies both physical and spiritual thirst. 

The frenzied world and our myriad dilemmas leave our bodies and minds exhausted. It is then that we seek out a place where we can have a moment of peace and tranquility. In the discipline of Chado such a place can be found. The four principals of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility, codified almost four hundred years ago, are timeless guides to the practice of Chado. Incorporating them into daily life helps one to find that unassailable place of tranquility that is within each of us.

Soshitsu Sen
Urasenke Grand Tea Master XV

(From Urasenke Tradition of Tea)

By Keith Snyder, Urasenke Foundation of Vancouver:
Purity, Harmony, Respect & Tranquility 
The Utensils 

For more information on chado please contact:
The Urasenke Foundation of Vancouver
3953 West 13th Ave.
Vancouver, BC
V6R 2T1
Tel: 224-1560

THE DOCTRINE OF SEN RIKYU
Tea is nothing other than this:
heat the water, prepare the tea, and drink it with propriety. 
That is all you need to know.

Make a delicious bowl of tea; arrange the charchol to heat the water; 
arrange the flowers the way they are in the fields; 
in summer suggest coolness, in the winter warmth; 
anticipate everything; be ready for rain; 
show the greatest possible consideration toward your guests.