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| U R A S E N K E SEATTLE BRANCH Transmitting the living art of Chado, the Way of Tea, through harmony, respect, purity and tranquility |
OKEIKO GUIDELINES
Entering the tea garden (roji, literally dewy ground)
The roji passage that leads to the tearoom allows the participant to set aside
everyday concerns and be fully present upon entering the tearoom. Observe the
moss covered ground, the granite stepping stones, and the lush green
landscape resembling a mountain path that has been carefully cleaned and
watered for the occasion.
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."
Leave outer wraps and other personal belongings in the foyer, 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 at
all times, unless carrying utensils. Use your 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.
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. Most teachings
are transmitted silently. Pay attention. Be a model to others, and integrate and
practice what you learn until it becomes second nature. Always assume the
attitude of the beginner: look up to and learn from others, regardless of their
experience, and you will avoid pride and arrogance.
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.
When corrected respond with a yes/hai or a nod, never with an explanation.
Focus the mind/body 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.
If you arrive after okeiko has begun, bow to the scroll, greet the sensei and then
fellow students. 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.
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. At the end of class, ready utensils for
the next day’s activities.
Sensei’s entrance
Recognize the sensei, teacher, as a representative of Chanoyu masters of the
past and demonstrate respect and gratitude. Everything (mentally and
physically) must be in a state of readiness to receive instruction when the
teacher enters. Sit quietly and remain still while the sensei bows before the
scroll and takes a seat. Greet sensei with “Ohayo gozaimasu okeiko onegai
itashimasu,” and then place your fan behind you for the first time.
Addressing the 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 tearoom.
Thank one another and bow to the scroll before cleanup.
Attire.
Kimono is preferable, and okeiko-gi 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.
The roji passage that leads to the tearoom allows the participant to set aside
everyday concerns and be fully present upon entering the tearoom. Observe the
moss covered ground, the granite stepping stones, and the lush green
landscape resembling a mountain path that has been carefully cleaned and
watered for the occasion.
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."
Leave outer wraps and other personal belongings in the foyer, 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 at
all times, unless carrying utensils. Use your 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.
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. Most teachings
are transmitted silently. Pay attention. Be a model to others, and integrate and
practice what you learn until it becomes second nature. Always assume the
attitude of the beginner: look up to and learn from others, regardless of their
experience, and you will avoid pride and arrogance.
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.
When corrected respond with a yes/hai or a nod, never with an explanation.
Focus the mind/body 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.
If you arrive after okeiko has begun, bow to the scroll, greet the sensei and then
fellow students. 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.
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. At the end of class, ready utensils for
the next day’s activities.
Sensei’s entrance
Recognize the sensei, teacher, as a representative of Chanoyu masters of the
past and demonstrate respect and gratitude. Everything (mentally and
physically) must be in a state of readiness to receive instruction when the
teacher enters. Sit quietly and remain still while the sensei bows before the
scroll and takes a seat. Greet sensei with “Ohayo gozaimasu okeiko onegai
itashimasu,” and then place your fan behind you for the first time.
Addressing the 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 tearoom.
Thank one another and bow to the scroll before cleanup.
Attire.
Kimono is preferable, and okeiko-gi 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.
okeiko guidelines |
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