During our Silent Auction a number of NSW families bid to participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony hosted by Sosei Ogawa, grandmother or Kyler (EW). Mrs. Ogawa provided the following as part of an introductory letter:
Chakai (tea ceremony gathering) exemplifies the practice of “omotenashi” (hospitality) in Japanese culture. Chakai goes beyond serving and drinking tea. It encompasses all of the different Japanese art forms, aesthetics, and philosophy. The four spirits of tea signify the highest ideals of the Way of Tea: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. It is a practice of deep mutual respect of everything surrounding us… from appreciating the season, the company, to the carefully selected scrolls and tea cups for each guest and what that represents. Every moment is an experience that can never be repeated exactly the same again so it is unique each time. We cherish each moment as if it is the first and last time. The Japanese expression for this is “Ichigo-ichie”.
Spend a moment with these photos, they record and also evoke the quality of that day. And look for Kyler. — Documentation Committee
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