From Tea Leaves to Life Skills: 7 Reasons Tea Rituals Foster Personal Development & Make You Happier
As one of the most famous Japanese tea masters of the 20th century, he took time out of his busy schedule to make himself a cup of matcha every morning at his tea house in Higashiyama, Kyoto, and meditated at the shrine.
As a genuine tea master, he believed in the spirituality of the tea ceremony as a way of self-development.
His name?
Konosuke Matsushita (1894–1989), the founder of Panasonic.
He grew the company into a global giant in a single generation after World War II and is known as the god of management in Japan.
Chanoyu is said to be the ultimate form of Japanese hospitality and physical art through the body and objects. Many successful people have also adopted the spirit of Chanoyu, such as Konosuke Matsushita, Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, and former Major League Baseball player Ichiro Suzuki.
Here are seven ways to live a happy life through Chanoyu.
Let’s get started!
The Ultimate Form of Japanese Hospitality
A Japanese tea ceremony, known as “Chanoyu” or “Sado,” is often considered a form of personal and spiritual development.
Before entering the tea room, guests wash their hands at the Tsukubai, a particular washbasin. This is the same concept as entering a sacred shrine after purifying your hand and mind.
1. Importance of Purification
In Chanoyu, the intention of purification is essential. The tea room and tea utensils are always kept clean. On top of that, tea utensils are cleaned again during Chanoyu.
This is because by cleaning such things, you are also purifying your own mind. By doing so, you can get rid of your daily worries and always have a fresh mind.
The Tsukubai that greatly influenced the idea of minimalism is located at Ryouanji Temple in Kyoto.
2. Minimalism
As you can see, characters are written on all four sides of this Tsukubai, and a square is in the centre. And if you pair each character with this square, four characters will be formed.
吾唯足知。
吾 means I. 唯 means simply.
足 means what is enough. 知 means know. I simply know what is enough.
“Knowing that you are content will bring peace to your heart.”
This is the essence and foundation of minimalism. No matter how many things you have. No matter how many new, cutting-edge or luxurious things you seek, you will never find peace of mind.
Whereas, even if you have few things, if you are satisfied with your situation and appreciate what you have, you will find peace and satisfaction.
3. What is a truly free world?
After purifying your mind and body at the Tsukubai, guests enter through a small Nijiriguchi door. The main reason is that everyone, even people of high status, must bow their heads when entering the room.
Also, it was said that every samurai must hang their swords on a sword rack outside before entering because the door was too small.
That’s why the inside of the tea room becomes a sacred space where everyone is equal and peaceful. In other words, you won’t be judged by your position, age, gender, nationality, skin colour, or different backgrounds, and you can come as you are.
In this case, everyone can enjoy drinking matcha together and feel a sense of freedom away from reality.
When entering the tea room, guests look closely at the hanging scroll. The theme of today’s Chanoyu prepared by the host is usually a Zen word written on the hanging scroll.
4. The Importance of 一期一会 Ichigo
Ichigo means a lifetime, and Ichi means a one-time meeting.
In other words, it means a “once-in-a-lifetime meeting”.
“You may never see the person you meet that day again,
so cherish the time you spend with that person.”
The true meaning, however, is more profound.
“Even if you meet with your family and friends every day, you will only meet and experience this day once in a lifetime, and the same day will never come back.”
You are a different person today than you are tomorrow. The same goes for your family and friends. Therefore, there will never be the same meeting.
The same can be applied to encounters with things. Your current state and the state of things are constantly changing.
Therefore, in Chanoyu, the host sincerely makes matcha for the guests and treats things carefully.
5. The Importance of Routine
Chanoyu begins with folding a square cloth called Fukusa and cleaning the tea utensils. All movements have a meaning, and they are minimal, non-wasteful movements. Everything is purposeful and beautiful.
During the routine, your mind calms down, and you can focus on the moment.
Ichiro Suzuki always does the same routine before entering the batter’s box.
“It is difficult to control my mind under pressure and anxiety. So I do the same routine to work and prepare my body. By doing so, the mind will naturally be organized and calmed down”. — Ichiro Suzuki
I’m not sure if Ichiro Suzuki adopted the idea from Chanoyu, but he has proven the importance of a routine.
6. The Importance of Mindfulness
Chanoyu is said to be a Zen-like movement because it originated from Zen Buddhism.
There is a saying, “茶禅一味 Chazen Ichimi”.
This means that even though Chanoyu and Zen may look different, the state they pursue is the same. The process of making tea through Chanoyu quietly and slowly incorporates the spirit of Zen to feel peace.
“I’m just focused on the ‘now’ while making delicious tea for the guest before me; there is no room for distractions.”
In addition, since you do the same routine when making tea, the mind is naturally prepared, and the breathing becomes deep and steady. That’s what mindfulness is.
Steve Jobs famously incorporated the Zen spirit into his business and way of life. Not only that, but many well-known companies are practising mindfulness with the essence of Zen.
No matter how busy Konosuke Matsushita was, he would prepare himself matcha every morning and then get ready for work.
7. 和敬清寂 Wakei Seijaku
Finally, here are the four most essential spirits of Chanoyu.
和=Harmony. Respect and harmonize with all people and things.
敬=Respect. Be humble and respectful to others and things.
清=Purity. Purify or clean not only what you see but also your heart.
寂=Tranquility. Keep your mind calm and not fazed by anything.
Overall, the Japanese tea ceremony is considered a form of personal development because it offers opportunities for self-improvement in areas such as mindfulness, patience, respect, and gratitude. It encourages individuals to cultivate inner qualities that lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life, personally and in their interactions.
Simplicity, Happiness and Personal Growth
Simple rituals can bring happiness and personal development in a complex world. Often, the most profound changes stem from the simplest of beginnings.
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” — Steve Jobs.
Personal development is a lifelong adventure, and happiness is its most beautiful destination. Surprisingly, a tea ritual isn’t just a ceremony; it’s an opportunity to grow, find joy daily, and become your best version. Your happiness is worth every moment of effort.
Cheers to a happier and more fulfilled you!
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