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| class guidlines |
Class Guidelines
Attire
Kimono is preferable, and okeikogi or comfortable business attire
are acceptable. Dress should be modest. Remove jewelery and
watches, avoid perfume, wear white socks or tabi, and tie up long
hair.
Tea training (okeiko)
Act with dignity and treat every moment as precious. Sit quietly
and alertly during the teachings. Take an active role in your own
studies. Be a model to others, and integrate and practice what
you learn until it becomes second nature. Always assume the
attitude of the beginner by looking up to and learning from
others, regardless of their experience.
Sitting
First, sit straight, loosen your diaphragm, breathe from your lower
abdomen and reflect upon your attitude and behavior. In time
your tea practice will allow you to pay attention, think profoundly
and be generous with your time, energy, and ability to benefit
others.
Instruction
When corrected respond with a yes/hai or a nod, never with an
explanation. Focus on the action at hand and hold objects with
both hands. Pick up and set down utensils from a seated position.
Fold the purifying cloth (fukusa) immediately after use and put it
away. Once okeiko has begun, request permission before leaving
the tearoom during class. Do not interrupt the formal teaching of
temae with questions, but reserve them for when the teacher
indicates it is appropriate.
Arriving
Enter the tea garden (roji, literally dewy ground) that leads the
guest on a pathway to the tearoom where everyday concerns
are set aside to be fully present. Observe the freshly swept moss
covered ground, granite stepping stones and lush green
landscape resembling a mountain path.
Entering the foyer (yoritsuki)
Aisatsu (greeting) is essential for harmonious relations. Open the
door and step inside saying "Gomen kudasai." Greet others by
saying "Ohayo gozaimasu - good morning - or Konnichi wa -
good afternoon." Leave outer wraps and other personal
belongings in the closet or basket, change footwear, and carry
only personal tea items into the tearoom.
Entering the tearoom (chaseki)
Demonstrate respect for those who are seated by sliding across
the threshold, unless carrying utensils. Use a fan as you slide
across the threshold when entering the tearoom for the first time.
Be courteous to others by occupying only the space designated
for you. Avoid stretching the soles of your feet toward others or
the tokonoma.
Preparation area (mizuya)
In the preparation room silence is the rule. Idle chatter is
distracting. Clean and put away utensils immediately to maintain
the mizuya in a state of readiness. Never leave personal items in
the mizuya. Prepare utensils for the first temae as soon as you
arrive. At the end of class, ready utensils for the next day’s
classes or events.
Sensei’s entrance
Recognize the sensei, teacher, as a representative of the tradition
and demonstrate respect and gratitude. Greet sensei with
“Ohayo gozaimasu (or Konnichi wa) okeiko onegai itashimasu,”
and then place your fan behind you for the first time.
Addressing sensei
In face-to-face discourse, address the teacher simply as “sensei,”
a term of respect. When referring to the sensei, use a surname
or given name, such as “Mitchell sensei” or “Bonnie sensei,”
depending upon your age.
Sensei’s exit
As the teacher stands to leave, remain seated until s/he is out of
the room. Thank one another and bow to the scroll, depart the
room and assist with the cleanup of the mizuya before going
home.
Attire
Kimono is preferable, and okeikogi or comfortable business attire
are acceptable. Dress should be modest. Remove jewelery and
watches, avoid perfume, wear white socks or tabi, and tie up long
hair.
Tea training (okeiko)
Act with dignity and treat every moment as precious. Sit quietly
and alertly during the teachings. Take an active role in your own
studies. Be a model to others, and integrate and practice what
you learn until it becomes second nature. Always assume the
attitude of the beginner by looking up to and learning from
others, regardless of their experience.
Sitting
First, sit straight, loosen your diaphragm, breathe from your lower
abdomen and reflect upon your attitude and behavior. In time
your tea practice will allow you to pay attention, think profoundly
and be generous with your time, energy, and ability to benefit
others.
Instruction
When corrected respond with a yes/hai or a nod, never with an
explanation. Focus on the action at hand and hold objects with
both hands. Pick up and set down utensils from a seated position.
Fold the purifying cloth (fukusa) immediately after use and put it
away. Once okeiko has begun, request permission before leaving
the tearoom during class. Do not interrupt the formal teaching of
temae with questions, but reserve them for when the teacher
indicates it is appropriate.
Arriving
Enter the tea garden (roji, literally dewy ground) that leads the
guest on a pathway to the tearoom where everyday concerns
are set aside to be fully present. Observe the freshly swept moss
covered ground, granite stepping stones and lush green
landscape resembling a mountain path.
Entering the foyer (yoritsuki)
Aisatsu (greeting) is essential for harmonious relations. Open the
door and step inside saying "Gomen kudasai." Greet others by
saying "Ohayo gozaimasu - good morning - or Konnichi wa -
good afternoon." Leave outer wraps and other personal
belongings in the closet or basket, change footwear, and carry
only personal tea items into the tearoom.
Entering the tearoom (chaseki)
Demonstrate respect for those who are seated by sliding across
the threshold, unless carrying utensils. Use a fan as you slide
across the threshold when entering the tearoom for the first time.
Be courteous to others by occupying only the space designated
for you. Avoid stretching the soles of your feet toward others or
the tokonoma.
Preparation area (mizuya)
In the preparation room silence is the rule. Idle chatter is
distracting. Clean and put away utensils immediately to maintain
the mizuya in a state of readiness. Never leave personal items in
the mizuya. Prepare utensils for the first temae as soon as you
arrive. At the end of class, ready utensils for the next day’s
classes or events.
Sensei’s entrance
Recognize the sensei, teacher, as a representative of the tradition
and demonstrate respect and gratitude. Greet sensei with
“Ohayo gozaimasu (or Konnichi wa) okeiko onegai itashimasu,”
and then place your fan behind you for the first time.
Addressing sensei
In face-to-face discourse, address the teacher simply as “sensei,”
a term of respect. When referring to the sensei, use a surname
or given name, such as “Mitchell sensei” or “Bonnie sensei,”
depending upon your age.
Sensei’s exit
As the teacher stands to leave, remain seated until s/he is out of
the room. Thank one another and bow to the scroll, depart the
room and assist with the cleanup of the mizuya before going
home.
| Contact EWCC: 5125 40th Avenue N.E., Seattle, WA 98105 (206) 328 6018 mitchell@urasenkeseattle.org |
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