This is a little trickier than the previous three principles as it is more a consequence of right practice rather than practise in itself, though to make it a goal of practise would almost certainly be self-defeating. The translation of Jaku as tranquillity is unsatisfactory. Jaku refers to the enlightenment of Buddhism. Now I am nervous as I believe I am not an enlightened person (surely one would know?) although I also believe that I have glimpsed what that might mean. That is difficult to write about here.
To illustrate something of my failing, many years ago, in Japan, I was privileged to have a person of great status in the Tea world as a guest at a semi-public event. During my making of tea, this person made a comment as to how well I was performing the procedure. Thenceforth, I went to pieces doing extraordinarily stupid things. Thus I revealed my true state and received criticism later. A great lesson.
The formalised, detailed, ritual, aspects of the hospitality at the heart of the Way of Tea bring together the attention, the mind and the heart, of each of the participants, focusing their being in the here and now where reality resides. These prescribed forms are balanced by the spontaneity of action made possible by a rigorous, supporting framework. Each event is unique and the differences, even supposed errors, are enjoyed and fondly remembered.
What I understand, with some confidence, is that Jaku is not a dreamy, passive state as the English word tranquillity implies but a fully alert, aware, state of clarity of mind and perception in which one is prepared for whatever life may challenge you with, whether it be poverty, ill-health, bereavement, homelessness, or, even more difficult to deal with, good fortune, or praise.
Alex Fraser runs east teas, now relocated in the new Jubilee Market of Borough Market, London, on Fridays 12-6 and Saturdays 9-4. contact via epoch@eastteas.com.
