Class Guidelines
Entering the tea garden (roji, literally dewy ground)
The roji garden leads the guest on a pathway to the tearoom where
everyday concerns are set aside in order to be fully present upon
entering the tearoom. The moss covered ground, granite stepping
stones and lush green landscape resembling a mountain path have been
carefully swept and watered providing a refreshing view.
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 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. 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.
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 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. 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. 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 (or Konnichi wa)
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
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 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.
Entering the tea garden (roji, literally dewy ground)
The roji garden leads the guest on a pathway to the tearoom where
everyday concerns are set aside in order to be fully present upon
entering the tearoom. The moss covered ground, granite stepping
stones and lush green landscape resembling a mountain path have been
carefully swept and watered providing a refreshing view.
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 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. 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.
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 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. 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. 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 (or Konnichi wa)
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
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 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.
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