The Seer has explained that the definition of true refinement can be summed up as living the principles of the Japanese tea ceremony every moment of one's life.
"To live with respectful awareness of the gifts brought by the moment, sets us apart from the lives of beasts. The boorish man thrives on chaos; the refined person lives a life of grace and courtesy and embodies the sensitive poise of one who seeks to walk his eternal journey with the reverent footsteps of a Master."
The Seer
Japanese Tea Ceremony Explained
by Adam Acar, PhD
Tea ceremony can be explained by this simple phrase: ichi go ichi e — which means each moment only occurs once. The purpose of the tea ceremony is all about being present in the moment and remembering that this very moment will never come back again. When we participate in the ceremony, we have to forget about everything and just focus on drinking tea in harmony with people around us.
Building on this philosophy, Rikyu introduced the 4 main principles of the tea ceremony: WA, KE, SEI and JAKU, also known as, harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
I can't put into words what this means to me… What is, what is felt, what is known deep inside 🙏🙏🙏 Thank you so much beloved Almine, thank you Rogier, for this truth and its beauty; being fully present, at peace, aware and grateful, and nothing more is needed, in joy and glad contentment.
Before reading this post yesterday, I had looked at the words I carry in my purse since it was suggested we do so on this site some while ago, among them: "Sehavit Arechsta Minuselsabit Skeletut – I walk upon the footstool of the Holy One in grace and reverence". I feel they are very effective and helpful towards living this way.
"Poser chaque geste comme une fleur."
Which evokes placing each gesture like a flower in a Japanese flower arrangement.
This is fascinating Rogier. Thank you for posting this. Thank you Almine for pointing this out to all of us here.
Lovely. Yes, I could certainly use this message today. 🙂
THANK YOU> This message is so apt for me right now. xxx