by Thomas Hargrave
Note from aleks: • Below is a transcript of the interview that Thomas conducted this spring with Naomi Takemura, the Chief Administrator of Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association, one of the Chado schools that presents Tea ceremonies at our Garden. Enjoy!
 |
Naomi Takemura, February 2012
Chief Administrator of Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association |
CHADO: a multifaceted living embodiment of Japanese culture: a
conversation with Naomi Takemura
Sensei, what is your
title and organizational affiliation?
I have received the teaching degree
of
Seikyoju, from present Grand tea
master, Sen Soshitsu of Urasenke in Kyoto. Currently I am a Chief Administrator of
Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association.
What are your primary
duties in this role?
One is to introduce and promote the
Way of Tea (Chado) to the community and another is to maintain contact and communication
between local members and Urasenke Headquarters in Kyoto, Japan..
How long have you
studied the Way of Tea?
I took my first lesson when I was
10 years old. During high school
and college, I really began to appreciate the atmosphere of the tea room. To me, this is a lifelong study, so
there is no graduation day.
How much of this
training was in Japan?
Most of my training was in Japan
before I came to the US in 1966. I learn a great deal about Chado through teaching
it to my students.
Is instruction in the
Way of Tea approached differently in Japan, than from in the United
States?
Even though the objective of
instruction remains the same, certain aspects of the ceremony are modified in the
United States since its lifestyle and customs are different from those in Japan.
 |
| Naomi Takemura, April 2012 |
How has this training
shaped your life experience?
It is a kind of meditation to me. It gives me time to reflect, and shows
me the right path. Chado has
taught me to appreciate what you have, and to make good use of the time you
have now. It also taught me the
importance of history and tradition.
When you can concentrate on what you do in everyday life, as in the tea
ceremony, you will find many discoveries and receive many benefits.
When one studies the
way of tea what areas of Japanese culture does one get exposed to?
You should know the items necessary
for the tea setting, such as tea utensils (metal, wood, and ceramics),
calligraphy, and flower arrangements.
As time passes, you develop the sense of appreciation and knowledge for
these items. Proper etiquette and
manners are essential at the tea gatherings. There they develop a sense of
trust, respect, and understanding between the host and guest.
How much of the study
of tea is experiential, rather than book based?
There are three basic aspects in
learning tea; these are knowledge, discipline and practice. Even though you can learn much by
reading books, the most important thing is practice. With practice, everything becomes part of you. With proper basic training, you can
learn much from solo practice. It
may take time, however, students will acquire these sooner or later.
Do you think that this
kind of training changes the way we move, think, or see things?
Yes, I definitely think so. My life is so entwined with Chado that
I cannot think of myself without associating myself with Chado. When I think of Chado, the following
words come to my mind: tradition; manner; friendliness; kindness; thoughtfulness;
humbleness; humility; truthfulness; concentration; discipline; appreciation; responsibility;
dedication; consideration; sympathy; togetherness; congeniality; integrity; and
simplicity.
Can you give me some examples?
Well, how to walk, hold a cup,
greet guests, speak, eat and so forth.
The Way of Tea guides me to change
me, not other people. It teaches
me the importance of retreat from a self-centered way of life. To me, the most important quality for
those who love Chado is omoiyari ( 思いやり) which in English is a
mixture of kindness, sympathy, consideration, and thoughtfulness. I have met many people who have posses this
important quality.
How might a garden
visitor benefit from being exposed to this practice in a public tea ceremony?
Garden visitors would have chance
to experience a very different kind of culture. Through their participation, it is my hope they will catch a
glimpse of the essence of The Way of Tea, which is WA (harmony), KEI (respect),
SEI (purity) and JAKU (tranquility).
Takemura Sensei, let
me thank you for sharing your time and insight with us today.
 |
| SJG • - Shoseian Tea House |
We encourage all that
are interested in learning more to visit the Garden and participate in a public
tea ceremony at the Shoseian Tea House.
Please call us at the garden for information on available dates and
times. Reservations can be made
over the phone and are highly encouraged as these teas typically sell out well
before the day of presentation.
Thomas Hargrave
Assistant Coordinator
Seattle Japanese Garden
Ticket Booth 206 684-4725
The SJG 2012 Tankokai and Shoseikai Chado Presentation and Demonstration Schedule is on
calendar page.
