Tea ceremony and Zen: The Wabicha mind

Following the introduction of Buddhism, a lot of Chinese culture was brought to Japan. In the middle Muromachi period, the pursuit of Japan’s unique philosophical and aesthetic cultural practices led to the “Cha no Yu” (tea ceremony), born from the simple Chinese custom of drinking tea called “Yum Cha” and while adopting Zen ideology. By greatly changing the status quo, the tea ceremony was sublimated as Japan’s own culture. From this starting point, the founder of the tea ceremony, and the *Dobosyuu of the Ashikaga Shogunate, Juko Murata said, “By drinking tea, one can rule their spirit.” This allusion came from the “Zen” of Daitoku-ji Temple monk Sojun Ikkyu.

　　 村田珠光 Jyukou MURATA (1423-1502)

Through Nohami, who was of the same *Dobosyuu and who learned the Chinese-style tea ceremony “Syoincha”, Juko at that time adopted the plain and simple tea ceremony “Chikachanoyu” in practice among common people. By adding the Zen spirituality he had learned from Ikkyu, he created “Sado” (the tea ceremony/the way of tea) with its spiritual and artistic character. Gambling, drinking liquor, and other such pleasurable aspects that had dominated tea parties up until then, were reformed. Tea parties then emphasized a spiritual exchange between the host and guest, completely changing the status quo. This became the source of “Wabicha.” Juko’s tea ceremony gained its identity of spirituality in the absence of things, compensated for with the richness of the mind.

Juko and other *Dobosyuu in Buddhism, became close to the Shogun and Daimyo and were in charge of various arts. Masters in the arts also came to give the same spirituality to No theater, Renka poetry, calligraphy, and other arts. After Juko, Joo Takeno developed the tea ceremony, and through Sen no Rikyu, the form of the tea ceremony as it has continued up to the present day was largely completed. The tea ceremony then went from being deeply spiritual to becoming a cultural norm in Samurai society. Throughout traditional Japanese culture as a whole, this influence has remained strong.

*Dobosyuu: groups of monks who became advisors to the Shogun and the Daimyo, and who were in charge of miscellaneous affairs and various arts.