A tea ceremony demonstration was conducted by the Urasenke Tankokai Los Angeles Association on August 19, 2023 at the “Bridge for Peace” art exhibit sponsored by LELA International at The Makery in Los Angeles.

Founder, Mr. Hideo Sakata, experienced the atomic bombing and was a proponent of peace and so looked forward to the tea ceremony.  Unfortunately, he passed away, 3 weeks before the event.  His wife was in attendance.

Sen Soshitsu, the 15^th generation Grandmaster of Urasenke, travels the world promoting “peacefulness through a bowl of tea”.  Chief of Administration, Soshin Abe, accepted the opportunity to participate in this event to continue and support the Grandmaster’s efforts to spread peace and harmony through a bowl of tea.

The calligraphy displayed was “Wa Kei Sei Jaku”, Harmony, Respect, Purity, Tranquility, by Kenko Yamashita Roshi.  The “chashaku” or tea scoop was specially selected since the bamboo was from a pine torch used for an event called, “Shunie” at the Todaiji Temple.  This is when the monks pray for world peace and blessings.  A tradition for 1250 years.   The poetic name of the “chashaku” was “Yu kou” or Friendship.  Summer utensils were used such as a “hira natsume” or tea caddy with a “Sagiso” flower motif which is used during the summer months, a glass tea bowl and a water wheel motif tea bowl and a bamboo motif “mizusashi” or water vessel were used to elicit a feeling of coolness.

Soyo Nakamori, Souri Hirose, Somi Gill and Soketsu Guterres participated in using the misonodana to perform the tea ceremony for guests while Soshin Abe provided a detailed narration.  Sweets and tea were offered to guests.  For many in attendance, this was a first-time experience which was memorable and meaningful.