This question came from one of my thoughtful guests the other day.
The short answer is: yes, it is. However, when practicing tea ceremony, it\u2019s not something I am usually very conscious of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Connection to Zen Buddhism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Japanese tea ceremony is closely connected to Buddhism\u2014especially Zen Buddhism. You may have heard the word \u201cZen.\u201d It is one branch of Buddhism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tea itself was brought from China to Japan by Zen monks, along with Zen teachings, and gradually became widespread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most important practices for Zen monks is zazen<\/em>, or seated meditation. If you have ever tried meditation, you might understand that it can make you sleepy. To help stay awake during long hours of meditation, tea\u2014containing caffeine\u2014became highly valued among monks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may sound a bit like college students drinking coffee to stay awake before a deadline, but this is actually a well-known historical fact, even mentioned in publications by the Omotesenke school of tea. (If you\u2019re interested, you can take a look at the booklet here<\/a> in English.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moments When Religion Appears in Tea Practice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In regular tea practice, there are not many moments when we consciously think about religion. However, one such moment might be when we view a hanging scroll (kakemono<\/em>) in the tea room, especially those written by Zen monks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These works are called bokuseki<\/em>, and they are considered the most prestigious type of scroll in the world of tea. Even if a monk\u2019s calligraphy is not technically \u201cbeautiful,\u201d the work is deeply respected because it was created by someone who has undergone rigorous spiritual and physical training and cultivated virtue. In that sense, the scroll is held in the highest respect almost as if it were the monk themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often, these scrolls contain Zen phrases or symbolic expressions of Zen teachings. Tea teachers may explain their meanings during practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Personal Reflection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My own teacher owned several such scrolls. Unfortunately, when I was younger, I wasn\u2019t very interested in them. I was much more focused on enjoying delicious sweets and matcha!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking back now, I realize that truly appreciating these scrolls requires a quieter, more attentive mind\u2014something I am still learning to cultivate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Oh! Mama, you can experience this quiet connection to Zen for yourself through a traditional matcha tea ceremony in a calm setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located in Ikenoue\u2014a peaceful residential neighborhood just minutes from Shibuya\u2014Oh! Mama is a traditional Japanese house where you can step away from the rush of the city and slow down. In this private space, you can enjoy not only a matcha tea ceremony but also shodo (Japanese calligraphy), both deeply rooted in Buddhism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re curious to experience this world for yourself, we would love to welcome you.<\/p>\n\n\n