Culture Scene
Tea ceremony to celebrate Japan-Hawai'i ties

"In my own hands I hold a bowl of tea; I see all of nature represented in its green color. Closing my eyes I find green mountains and pure water within my own heart. Silently, sitting alone, drinking tea, I feel these become part of me. Sharing this bowl of tea with others, they, too, become one with it and nature. That we can find a lasting tranquility in our own selves in the company with each other is the paradox that is the Way of Tea."

•	Kencha-shiki (tea ceremony) In celebration of the Urasenke Hawai'i Chapter's 50th anniversary 9 a.m. today 'Iolani Palace steps Free 923-3059

When people come together and share a bowl of tea, peace can be realized.

This is the philosophy of Soshitsu Sen XV, Urasenke grand tea master, who will offer a bowl of tea in a ceremony on the steps of 'Iolani Palace this morning, celebrating the Urasenke Hawai'i Chapter's 50th anniversary in the Islands.

His performance of the tea ceremony, which takes about half an hour, honors King David Kalakaua. His oldest son, also schooled in Urasenke, will offer a bowl of tea for King Kamehameha I and the people of Hawai'i.

"The tea ceremony is a celebration of not only the 50th anniversary of Urasenke in Hawai'i, but also the celebration of the warm friendship between King Kalakaua and the Meiji emperor," said Jean Ariyoshi, former first lady and chairwoman of the event. "That's very important. That's why it's at 'Iolani Palace."

Approximately 1,200 participants from around the world who practice the traditional art of the Japanese tea ceremony are in town for the weeklong celebration. Delegates from 32 countries and 62 shibu (local chapters) are in town to attend the various meetings, lectures and demonstrations that commemorate the golden anniversary of the first overseas chapter established by the grand tea master.

Sen's offering, though, is the highlight of the events.

"It's a very austere ceremony, and it's called the sacred tea offering," Ariyoshi said. "He performs it as prayers for world peace."

For half a century, the grand master has perpetuated the tradition of Chado, or the Way of Tea, around the world to promote peace. He has offered bowls of tea at Berlin and at the United Nations, and has served tea to such dignitaries as Princess Diana, Mikhail Gorbachev and the members of the imperial family of Japan.

Chado is a synthesis of arts, religion and philosophy — virtually every aspect of life. When combined in the act of preparing, serving and drinking tea, practitioners believe, it can result in a greater understanding and awareness of life and its importance.

The very systemized method of performing the tea ceremony takes a lifetime of devotion to perfect, much less master.

Served with a respectful heart and received with gratitude, a bowl of tea can satisfy both the physical and spiritual thirst. Students learning the tradition, which has been cultivated and refined since the 15th century, discover the unassailable place of tranquility that lies within each of us.

Ariyoshi tapped into the pleasures of Chado by forming her own tea group. For the past 10 years, the women have met quarterly, celebrating each season with conversations over a bowl of ceremonial tea.

"We've learned to appreciate one another and the beauty of the Japanese culture and how we can apply it to our daily lives," she said.

Members of her high-profile group, called Yushin-kai (meaning women with good hearts), include first lady Vicky Cayetano and the Japan consul general's wife, Harumi Shibuya.

Somehow, with their busy schedules, they make the time to receive tea, learn more about the Japanese culture and spend moments of quality time in reflection among friends.

"And," Ariyoshi added, "we gain moments of tranquility in the process."