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TEA CEREMONY 7.26.04
I bow to the tea pot. I bow to the tea. I bow to the boiled water, the cup and steam.
In this simple attitude, I bow to Existence.
Before I even begin, all has transformed. Existence takes over.
The beige tea pot with it’s curved bamboo handle holds an ancient Japanese painting. A scene painted in dark grays and blacks.
A man with his son are walking across a bridge.
Suddenly, the scene comes to life!
The father points to something in the distance. He points to the Highest Mountain in the distance, sharing his wisdom.
The son laughs and sits down on the bridge. He closes his eyes to rest.
The father urges him onward.
For several days and weeks the pair slowly move, climbing the mountain. Finally they reach The Top.
Satisfied, the father says, “Let’s have tea.”
In slow motion, I pour myself a cup of hot steaming tea. I savor each sip. Then I close my eyes for a few moments. The tea warms my body, invigorates my awareness.
I softly gaze at the tea pot. The scene now shows the father and son standing atop the mountain peak.
“Look!” says the father. He now points down to the bridge, sharing his wisdom.
The son laughs and sits down on the mountain top. He closes his eyes to rest.
In slow motion I sip the last drop of tea, placing the empty cup on the bamboo mat.
Fully alert and at peace, I close my eyes.
With hands folded in my lap, I bow to the empty tea pot. I bow to the empty cup. I bow to Existence. | ||||||
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copyright Anupama Deanne Kallman AHA! STORIES
BY OKAKURA-KAKUZO
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