Abstract

The Way of Tea, or Chanoyu, commonly known as the Japanese Tea Ceremony, is an art form built around the simple every-day act of preparing, offering and receiving a bowl of tea in a carefully created environment. In truth it is a lot more than just that. The Way of Tea is a way to tranquility and clarity of mind through meditation in motion. Unlike many other meditative practices, it happens without detachment from the reality but right in the real world with its colours, tastes, sounds, fragrances and textures. It actually elevates daily activities to the level of art. While tea procedures are highly efficient and systematized, once mastered, their efficiency is fully re-applicable to daily life. Interestingly, following the rigid form actually results in the development of one’s creativity and freedom. Arguably a performing art of its own kind, Chanoyu sets the stage for people and objects to create a happening in a special setting in order to attain an unrepeatable cathartic experience. I propose to explore how this interdisciplinary synthesis of arts-Chanoyu-brings art to life and life to art through its holistic approach.