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At the core of Chado is the relationship between host and guest so respect for other people is the most significant manifestation of this second of Rikyu’s principles.
There is a belief that “the host should have the mind of the guest and the guest should have the mind of the host”. This implies both an interchangeability of rôle and a powerful empathy. The leading guest has a pivotal position in that he or she communicates with the host on behalf of the other guests for much of the time, and with the other guests to ascertain their needs. Often that position is given to the most experienced guest to ensure the smooth flow of a tea event. One of Rikyu’s seven rules is “give those with whom you find yourself every consideration”. These seven give great guidance both for inside and outside the tearoom.
Respect is also due to utensils which should be handled with appropriate care. It’s not that they are necessarily intrinsically valuable but they represent the best that the host has chosen to offer and also the efforts of those who have made them. Sometimes one has handled and sipped tea from a family heirloom hundreds of years old, impregnated with years of careful and respectful usage which convey a deep feeling of value beyond money.
One also respects the seasons in the choice of food and utensils, bringing a shared awareness of the uniqueness of an event. In this respect is an understanding of the work gone into the production of food ingredients and, in the case of fishing, for example, the very real dangers involved.
In adhering to a tradition, one also demonstrates respectful thanks for the lineage and the teachers, and teachers of teachers, who have contributed to bringing one into the present moment.
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 him via epoch@eastteas.com.