| Entering the roji, literally dewy ground or refuge. The roji is the garden that leads to the tearoom where one loosens the burdens of the secular world to enter the realm of the tearoom. When passing through the gate and walking along the roji, shed personal concerns to prepare for Tea by observing the host’s first gift of hospitality, the carefully cleaned and watered garden. Entering the yoritsuki, foyer or patio. Aisatsu or greetings is essential for harmonious relations. Greet fellow students with “good morning/ afternoon/ evening, yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.” Leave outer wraps and other personal belongings in the baskets, change footwear, and carry just your personal tea items into the tearoom. Entering the chaseki, tearoom. Honor the tearoom by using a fan as you slide across the threshold when entering and departing for the first and last times. Demonstrate respect for those who are seated by sliding in and out of the tearoom at all times, unless carrying utensils. Be courteous of others by occupying only the space designated for you, so indicated by the placement of your fan behind you. Avoid stretching the soles of your feet toward the teacher or the tokonoma. Zazen, seated meditation. Focusing on the breath in stillness creates the proper attitude of mind and body for training in Tea as an active meditation. First, learn how to do sitting zazen: sit straight, loosen your diaphragm, breathe from your lower abdomen, and look at yourself. Then, carry that sitting zazen into Tea practice: pay attention, think profoundly, and be generous with your time, your energy, and your ability to benefit others. Mizuya, preparation area. In the preparation room silence is the rule. Idle chatter is distracting. Clean utensils immediately and 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. Okeiko, literally meeting the ancients. 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 for others, integrate and practice what you learn until it becomes second nature. Assume the attitude of the beginner, look up to others and learn from them, regardless of their experience. 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, reserve them for when the teacher indicates it is appropriate. When corrected respond with a yes/hai or a nod, never with an explanation. Rather focus on not repeating the mistake. Focus the mind/body on the action at hand so that everyday actions and encounters are elevated. Hold objects with both hands always placing the front of the item toward you. Sit down to lift and set down utensils. Fold the fukusa immediately after use and put it away. 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/ konban 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 “Tim 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. Comfortable business attire is acceptable. Dress modestly, remove jewlery and watches, avoid perfume, and wear white socks. Long hair must be tied back. |
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| OKEIKO GUIDELINES |
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| Transmitting the living art of Chado, the Way of Tea, to affirm our shared humanity through harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. |