Dear friends,
This bowl of matcha reminds me of the beautiful shining green and blue earth. I usually share seasonal stories with you in my newsletter, but this time I would like to talk about “The Way of Tea and Peace.”
“The Way of Tea" and "Peace” first remind me of the story of the 15th Grand Master of Urasenke tea school, Dr. Genshitsu Sen.
During WWII he was drafted at the age of 20 and enrolled in the Naval Academy. Later volunteered to enter a suicide corps known as Kamikaze. The war was over before he was ordered to depart for the front, consequently, he survived but most of his friends died. "We were fighting to end the war early because we wanted to save the lives of our beloved families, especially our mothers," he said. When I think of the war in Ukraine, I always recall his story and am shattered.
After the war, Dr. Sen has been a global advocate of culture and peace and long promoted his ideal of achievement, "Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea."
"The Way of Tea" as known as the tea ceremony represents the idea of blending nature and art through four guiding principles: 和 Harmony, 敬 Respect, 清 Purity, and 寂 Tranquility.
We hope everyone on earth is happy and at peace. Enjoy "Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea".
All the best,
Kumiko
The charity event for Ukraine, "Tea for Peace" at EN Japanese Brasserie on April 9th and 10th 2022.