The Spiritual Aspect

In chado, the spiritual aspect is most important.

The basic principles of chado are expressed in the words harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity. Harmony can be created between persons, between objects, between a person and an object... among all matters of the world. In chado, we should respect everyone and everything without distinction of status or rank. In chado, spiritual purity is essential. We can embody tranquillity only when we make harmony, respect and purity our own. By learning chado, we seek to obtain an ultimate peace of mind. The Grand Tea Master (Sen Soushitsu XV)teaches the thought of

" Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea."

Chado is also deeply influenced by Zen thought. In a sense, the ideal spirit of chado is a kind of religious mind. The essence of chado can be understood as the guiding principle for life for each person. The spirit of chado is universal.

ATTENTION!!! This article is from:
English for Use in "THE WAY OF TEA" Copyright E1993 by Tankou-sha, Japan

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Last Updated: 02/07/02
Copyright (C) 1995-1998 by Ken Kato and Natsuko Kato. All right reserved unless otherwise noted.