The way of tea is simple

The way of tea /

1. Ikebana by unknown
2. Egg teapot by Hisao Iwashimizu

“The art of the tea way consists simply of boiling water, preparing tea and drinking it.” — Sen no Rikyū

Sen no Rikyū was the founder of the Japanese way of tea. A student of Rikyū asked his master to share the most important teachings of the tea ceremony. Rikyū replied —

“First you must make a delicious bowl of tea; lay the charcoal so the water boils; arrange the flowers as they are in the field; in the summer suggest coolness, in the winter, warmth; do everything ahead of time; prepare for rain; and give those with whom you find yourself every consideration.”

The student was disappointed with this response saying that he already knew all of that. Rikyu replied that if he could do all that well, then Rikyu himself would be his student.

The way of tea is simple.

Life is simple.