Historia ceremonii herbacianej w Japonii

Tea Ceremony is something extremely complex and simple at the same time. On one hand, it can be regarded as an expression of philosophy, spirituality, culture and aesthetics of the Far East, can be analyzed through the lens of Zen Buddhism, also indirectly through Taoism that contributed to its development, it can be positioned in the Chinese and Japanese culture and history. This is also a stringent ceremonial with lots of extremely detailed and precise rules and principles. On the other hand – it remains a simple common activity of drinking tea in an atmosphere of friendliness and harmony, being also very universal and natural. On one hand, it is a sophisticated art, on the other – an overall way of life. The complexity does not exclude simplicity, when the simplest appears to be the most difficult. Zen and the tea ceremony are connected by the belief in the possibility of reaching a deep dimension of everyday life and finding depth in what is ordinary. Both in Zen and in Tea Ceremony, more important than the closed system of rules are few hints and own practice – it is not possible to reach their core through words or through theory. Tea Ceremony in the spirit of Zen teaches stretching for Excellence, were the experience of the "here and now" enables reaching of happiness, unconditioned of fulfillment of desires - in this sense, it remains valid and alive regardless of existing etiquette, forms, methods of teaching, interpretation.