Imported from China in the 12th century, tea quickly formed a connection with the Japanese spiritual world and evolved into the refined discipline we know as sadō (lit. “the way of tea”). This cultural practice, which has profoundly influenced modern Japanese culture and our deep-rooted sense of hospitality, has been preserved for centuries based on the core concept of sustainability. In this lecture, we will unlock Japan’s spiritual world by focusing on the Zen phrases (zengo) that set the meditative theme for the day in the tearoom and you will discover a world where drinking tea is not just drinking tea.
(Please note: A separate session is available at a different point in the programme for a hands-on tea ceremony experience with the same instructor.)