Class Explanation

Japanese Tea Ceremony

The Japanese Tea Ceremony traces back to the early 1400’s evolving from Zen Buddhism. It is a philosophy of recognition: we are part of the ever expanding universe and also a part of an evolved human nature. It cultivates respect for others and respect for ourselves.

Focusing on the simplicity of preparing tea, it utilizes the tranquility of the tea house (sometimes in a garden), the utensils and the various types of tea used for the beverage around the world. In earlier days monks would drink tea from bronze bowls as part of ceremonies honoring their founder budhidharma. The purity of tea and warm water lends itself to ceremonies that may be long or short, depending on one’s needs. The purpose is to dispose the mind to tranquility by displacing other thoughts. Atmosphere is important to the ceremony. Foods of different kinds may be prepared or brought in. The Tea Master directs the occasion. It may be the change of seasons or the honoring of special guests. That the tea ceremony has lasted several centuries and spread to other cultures is a testimony to the satisfaction that countless generations have enjoyed from it.

About The Tea Room at Nichirenji

The Japanese Tea Room in the Nichiren Buddhist Church of America was building the 1950’s. This is the first Japanese tea room in San Francisco. Chiyoko Ishida (tea name: Soren Ishida) was the wife of Archbishop Nitten Ishida. She was one of the original instructors who taught Omote Senke School Tea for over a few decades, and her many students became instructors in the bay area. Although she passed away many years ago, her tea room has been revitalized by the current group and is now being used for tea lessons. Also some of the utensils belonging to her are now being used for tea classes.

Summer Session for Shikakusha



On August 18, this year, we had summer session for Shikakusha. 
On this day, I was assigned to perform "Karamono" in front of Yoshimizu soshou from Kyoto, Japan.

He observed and reviewed how I make tea with Karamo.  He kindly corrected my performance and understandings. 
My colleagues and I reviewed after the Summer Session was over so that we, all enable to learn.


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