On an unusually cool, summer afternoon, the English Speaking Society and Youth Group of the Urasenke Los Angeles Tankokai organized an early summer fundraising chakai and demonstration for the community. It was an outreach event to promote Urasenke tea culture  to English speakers and youth who might be interested in Los Angeles. 75 seats were reserved and 4 sekis were presented.

The theme of the chakai, “Whisper of Serenity ”, centered on early summer. A befitting jiku was presented,“Ichiu Senzan Wo Uruosu” (A single cloud mists an entire mountain). Utensils were also chosen to embody this time of year. An California oak wood nagaita, paired with a cooling Seiji celadon mizusashi by the Korean artist Yoo Geun Hyeong, and a white lacquered natsume with the designs of fireflies and grasses. The okashi was handmade by our own Mme.Kodama – ayu swimming in a river..

Before entering the tea room, docents explained what the tea ceremony involves. Urasenke Chado Panels were hung and showed the fundamentals of a tea event – Tea Ceremony utensils, Thin tea Ceremony utensils, Personal Items for Tea Ceremony and Flowers and Sweets for Tea Ceremony.

Guests from the audience were chosen to sit in the tea room and guided by experienced practitioners from different shachu. In this way, they had an immersive experience of a tea gathering.

During the temae, assigned managers gave a presentation on history and the fundamentals of the Urasenke tradition. Each guide had a different anecdote to tell and enlightened the audience what might appear invisible or inconsequential inside the tea room. This was a great opportunity to promote the spirit of Chado to a wide audience.