For hundreds of years, people have been studying ‘The Way of Tea’. The Tea Ceremony is a refined way of serving tea and a meal to guests in a harmonious atmosphere. However, the significance of guests sharing tea goes much deeper. “Peacefulness through a bowl of tea” is the catchphrase used by Dr Genshitsu Sen, Great Grand Master of the Urasenke School of Tea. Throughout his life, Dr Sen has consistently promoted peace in the world, through the simple activity of making and serving tea. He believes that tea, as with any activity which brings people together where they can bond and share, encourages a relationship to form so they are less likely to fight.
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Lecture at the British Museum
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Urasenke is one of the largest Japanese Schools of Tea (there are over 2.5 million members worldwide), and people have been studying under this school for many years in the UK. However, there has been no officially recognised association in Britain until this year, when the Tankokai United Kingdom Association was established. For the first time in 30 years, Dr Sen visited the UK on Wednesday 21st September, in his official capacity as Great Grand Master of the Urasenke School of Tea, to participate in the inauguration dinner of the Tankokai UK Association. Ambassador Keiichi Hayashi and Mrs Hayashi attended the event, as did the Rt. Hon. Jeremy Hunt MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, as well as Mr Christopher Purvis, Japan Society Chair, and Mrs Phillida Purvis. Showing their support, representatives of eight European Tankokai associations also attended. |
The following day, Thursday 22nd September, Dr Sen gave a public lecture and presentation on ‘The Way of Tea’ at the British Museum. Visitors were invited to eat sweets and drink bowls of tea, served by members of the Tankokai UK Association, before the lecture.
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That evening, Dr Sen, Tankokai UK members and their guests were invited to Lambeth Palace by Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, to attend evening prayer. Dr Sen conducted a solemn tea offering (Kencha-shiki), where he prepared and served two bowls of tea himself in a most humble way. Through this ceremony, he offered prayers and wishes for peace on behalf of all members of the Urasenke School. Although it has its roots in Zen Buddhism, ‘The Way of Tea’ is not a religion but more a philosophy, and Dr Sen has often met with world leaders, including religious dignitaries, with whom he shares many common goals for peace. In fact, when he visited the UK 30 years ago, he conducted a tea offering service at Canterbury Cathedral. |
Kenchashiki at Archbisop's Chapel Lambeth Palace
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The Tankokai United Kingdom Association’s aim is to promote friendship and an awareness of Japanese culture through the study of tea and its associated arts and crafts. Members are people of different ages and backgrounds who range in ability from beginner to advanced.
Members also organise study groups (Benkyokai) to explore associated subjects, such as the history and types of ceramics used in tea, or the seasonal differences in the types of sweets served. From time to time, public presentations are held at various locations, giving members of the public an opportunity to experience The Way of Tea firsthand.
For further information, please see their Website: www.tankokai.co.uk
For Urasenke Kyoto: www.urasenke.or.jp
For Urasenke London Branch: www.urasenke.co.uk
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