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The Way of Tea (Chado in Japanese) is an all-encompassing form of artistic expression and appreciation. Journeying into what Tea practitioners call “the world of Tea,” one encounters numerous Japanese traditional arts and crafts, Zen Buddhism, a philosophy of beauty, awareness of the passage of seasons, tea cuisine, gardening, clothing, and ethics. Therefore, the study of Chado encompasses a wide variety of classes. Chado New Mexico offers a selection of teachings throughout the year; some are open to all members, while others are only available to those who study the “temae,” or tea-making procedures.
Study opportunities are available in Santa Fe, Taos and Albuquerque. Please contact chief administrator Sakina von Briesen at 505-982-9385 for more information.
Temae (tea-making procedures) Temae study is learning to serve tea to guests. Beginning students start with basic forms such as sitting, standing, and walking, then move on to the full-length tea-making procedures. Similar to learning a martial art or a new musical instrument, this is a demanding and rewarding course of study one can pursue for years. We recommend observing a lesson to further understand the nature of temae study.
Introductory Course This course is offered as a series of four weekly classes. In a small-class setting, students receive an overview of the aesthetics, history and philosophy of Chado, and actively study the protocol for being guests while enjoying delicious Japanese sweets and bowls of matcha. Discussions also cover traditional tea rooms and gardens, tea history, and flowers and scrolls used in the Way of Tea.
Tea Gatherings Putting all the study into practice, tea gatherings offer a chance to participate as a tea guest or to serve the gathering in a variety of ways. Chado New Mexico hosts tea gatherings throughout the year, ranging from the informal to the elegant. Most are open to members who are not students as well as those who are actively studying.
Special Study Intensives Chado New Mexico offers intensive study opportunities several times each year with both local or visiting tea teachers. Intensives are geared toward those who already have some familiarity with temae study, and offer an opportunity to move more deeply into the vast world of tea study.
Cooking Hands-on classes are planned throughout the year in cooking sweets for the tearoom and preparing chakaiseki cuisine (served to guests as part of a tea gathering), both of which are linked to the seasons or special events. Students study Japanese cooking techniques, eat what they cook in class, and are given recipes to take home.
Discussions The practice of serving tea to others is complimented with “book study” and discussion. Discussions delve into the underlying philosophy of Chado and Japanese culture, and seek to offer insight whether or not one is a tea practitioner.
Chado New Mexico Library Chado New Mexico members have access to a growing library of English-language and Japanese-language books and videos about Chado and related subjects.
Presentations Chado New Mexico offers public teas and educational presentations throughout the year. These involve the participation of Chado New Mexico members who learn much in the process.
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