Living the Four Principles of Japanese Tea Ceremony

Also known as chanoyu which translates into “hot water for tea,” it was developed by Sen Rikyu as a simple style of tea service and way of life.

There are four principles of chanoyu; Wa Kei Sei Jaku.

Students and masters alike strive to integrate these principles into their lives and interactions with people - oftentimes spending a lifetime doing so!

While these principles apply to the ceremony itself, they can also be used by non practitioners for the positive reaffirming lessons they offer.

The first principle is Wa, meaning “harmony.”

Harmony is something that all humans should ideally strive for. To create a peaceful existence and interaction between all things is vital in chanoyu and is carried into everyday life.

Harmony creates a delicate balance that not only resonates throughout the ceremony itself, but throughout one’s existence on earth.

The second principle of chanoyu is Kei, which means “respect.”

Kei is the ability to accept others for who they are. This principle extends even to those we may not see “eye to eye” with. There should be no attention paid to the class, caste or rank of anyone during a Japanese tea ceremony as all people are equal.

This process unites people across all socio levels because traditionally, everyone has to bow their heads to enter into a tea room. Kei is meant to be humbling and teach us humility. The respect you give is truly the respect you receive. The third principle of the Japanese tea ceremony is Sei, meaning “purity.”

Purity of heart and intentions is essential to life and chanoyu. No ulterior motives or inflated egos should stand in the way of being a truly pure person. In chanoyu, this purity is exhibited in the cleanliness of the space, the utensils, freshness of the water and the pure intentions of both guests and host. Pure intentions reap many rewards.

Last, but not least, is the fourth principle of chanoyu - Jaku, meaning “tranquility.”

Complete tranquility is the culmination of all three of chanoyu’s preceeding principles and probably the one most sought after. It may take years for a student of Japanese tea ceremony to embody this ideal.

Tranquility is a harmony with all things around you, respect for people and things you interact with, and doing so with pure intentions.

Tea drinking and its service are a way of life for many.The Japanese tea ceremony teaches us not only how to properly brew a perfect pot, but also how to have the sound mind, body and spirit to truly enjoy it and everything around us.