Match history

From the 8th century, drinking it was a form of social entertainment, and in the 15th century, it became the foundation of a refined philosophy of life – Chado, or the Japanese Way of Tea.

At the heart of Chado is the tea ceremony, closely related to the rituals of Zen Buddhism. Drinking green tea not only aided the difficult meditation of monks in China and later Japan, but it also became a means to achieve enlightenment. Offering a bowl of tea to Buddha was part of daily temple practices.

The minimalist form of the tea ceremony, which has survived to this day and, with its message of beauty found in simplicity, also evokes admiration in the West, emerged in the 16th century. It was a reaction to the ornate and lavish style favored by the Japanese aristocracy, who copied Chinese models. Among those advocating for radical simplicity was the monk Murata Shuko, who achieved enlightenment when he realized that the eternal Law of Buddha is revealed through the simple act of filling a bowl with hot water.

The beauty of the tea ceremony comes from the complete harmony that forms between the minds of the host and their guests. The spirit of tea is expressed in four concepts: tranquility, purity, respect, and harmony. A well-conducted ceremony frees one from worries and reveals the perfection of nature and human actions.

The tea pavilion – an extremely minimalist, almost austere building with thin walls, a flat roof, and empty walls – is merely a backdrop for the mindful practice of preparing and sharing the beverage between the host and guests. Concentration on subtle, sensory experiences is a celebration of the fleeting beauty of objects and careful gestures.