His issue was an unease about the statement that teamasters, including the now retired 15th generation Grand Teamaster of the Urasenke Tradition, Sen Genshitsu sama, ritually made tea for soldiers, particularly kamikaze pilots before their final flights.
The four principles of the Way of Tea: Harmony, Respect, Purity and “Tranquility”, are both manners of practise and the results of that practise. “Tranquility” is an inadequate and, perhaps, misleading translation of a word that indicates enlightenment or awakening. Rather than some dreamy state it is a condition of clear awareness, possibly of the realities of life and death.
In the relationship between host and guest that lies at the heart of the Way of Tea, mutual respect, harmony and awareness can be created. Sen Genshitsu’s “Ichi Wan kara Peacefulness” (Peace through a single bowl of Tea) before is a careful blend of Japanese and English, East and West, pointing to its origins.
Young soldier Sen found his ancestral home visited by the conquering and occupying Americans whose unruly and, ignorantly, inappropriate behaviours were tamed by his father’s hospitality. Through the practice of the Way, he demonstrated that, beyond the differences imposed by war, there exists a humanity that can share peace.
It is difficult to express these ideas without sounding pious. I believe that it is much more down to earth than that.
At last, Master Wang’s teas from Guandong have arrived. All being well they will be “launched” at next week’s Real Food Festival at Earl’s Court with special offers. The east teas discount booking code is T2FLW.
Alex runs east teas in Borough Market, London, Friday 12-6p.m. and Saturday 9-4p.m. Email epoch@east-teas.com.
