Jan

What’s in the Art of New Year’s Resolutions?

by Meredith Mullins on January 2, 2019

Happy new year hat on weathered boards, showing the cultural traditions of Japanese wabi sabi and lending a theme for New Year's resolutions. (Image © Kameleon007/iStock.)

Here’s to a year of glitter and the worn beauty of wabi sabi.
© Kameleon007/iStock

Cultural Tradition with a Dash of Wabi Sabi

Eat healthier.
Get more exercise.
Lose weight.
Learn a language.
Save more money.
(Make more money!)
Master a new skill.
Read more.
Spend quality time with friends and family.

Sound familiar?

Yes, it’s that time of year again. A transition to a new annual chapter. A time to turn the page. Start fresh. And make a New Year’s resolution or two . . . or three—rising to the challenge of self-improvement and accomplishing new goals.

These days, the percentage of people making New Year’s resolutions seems to be steadily declining. And the percentage of those keeping their resolutions dives even lower.

I admit to being in this latter category. Resolutions made. Resolutions broken (usually by sometime in January).

So why not take a different tack? Why not embrace wabi sabi?

Meredith Mullins 5 Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Japan

Oct

Cultural Traditions of the Japanese Tea Ceremony

by Meredith Mullins on October 15, 2018

Japanese woman presents a tea caddy for the Japanese tea ceremony, showing the cultural traditions of Japan. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

The Way of Tea
© Meredith Mullins

Ichi-go Ichi-e: Life Lessons

Let the tea be simple and your hospitality heartfelt.—Sen no Rikyu*

When I entered the tea house, I suddenly felt reverential—a guest of some greater spirit.

The simple wooden walls, tatami floor, and perfect Ikebana arrangement created a sanctuary so serene that the only sounds were that of the birds in the garden and the simmering water for the tea.

I met Kozue, a student who was dressed in a silk kimono of muted tones of lilac and plum that had been passed through generations of her family. I asked her how long she has been studying the Japanese tea ceremony.

She bowed her head slightly and said, “Only 27 years.”

Japanese woman bows in front of utensils for the Japanese tea ceremony, showing the cultural traditions of Japan. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

A lifetime of study
© Meredith Mullins

I knew then that there was a more profound layer to the seeming simplicity of the tea ceremony.

Some art forms take a lifetime to master. The tea ceremony is one of those arts—part of a rich heritage of Japanese cultural traditions.

An alcove in a Japanese tea house, the setting for the Japanese tea ceremony that shows the cultural traditions of Japan. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

The simple elegance of the Japanese tea house
© Meredith Mullins

From Mozart to Chadō

In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit to my tea inspiration. I was reminded of the elegance of the Japanese tea ceremony recently in an episode of “Mozart in the Jungle” (Season 4/Episode 8) directed by Roman Coppola. (Yes, television can be enlightening.) After watching this mesmerizing segment, I went in search of more knowledge.

I was fortunate to find a local class in the art of Japanese tea taught by Mrs. Matsui, who has been studying the tea ceremony for most of her life.

She has built a tea house in the Japanese garden behind her modern California home and teaches those who wish to learn more about the graceful and meticulously choreographed steps in chadō, or the “Way of Tea.”

Japanese teacher Mrs. Matsui oversees a student in the art of the Japanese tea ceremony, showing the cultural traditions of Japan. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Mrs. Matsui guides her student in the graceful choreography of the ceremony.
© Meredith Mullins

The Heart of the Ceremony

In Japanese, the tea ceremony is called chanoyu, sadō, or chadō, and is noted as one of the classical Japanese arts.

The ceremony is not just about serving tea. It is a study of philosophy, art, aesthetics, calligraphy, and literature.

More importantly, the ceremony is a traditional way of strengthening the bonds of those participating. It also inspires a commitment of time to the contemplation of beauty.

Japanese woman at door of tea room preparing for a Japanese tea ceremony, showing the cultural traditions of Japan. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

The host enters the tea room through a sliding door.
© Meredith Mullins

Ichi-go Ichi-e

Every tea gathering is a special experience. Each occasion calls for unique preparations, depending on the season, the time of day, the guests, and the theme of the ceremony.

The flowers and the hanging scroll in the alcove of the tea house (tokonoma) represent the season and the theme. The tea bowls are selected to match the character of the guests.

The host decides whether to offer a meal or just the traditional sweets, which are served to complement the mild bitterness of the green matcha tea.

Japanese sweets for the Japanese tea ceremony, showing the cultural traditions of Japan. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Traditional sweets are served to complement the slight bitterness of the matcha tea.
(Mrs. Matsui diplomatically reminded me to unwrap the one in paper, as the paper is not edible.)
© Meredith Mullins

The host also decides whether to serve thick tea (for more formal occasions, served in one bowl to be shared by all guests) or thin tea (for more informal occasions, with individual tea bowls, chosen for each guest). If the host wishes, both thin tea and thick tea can be served in the same ceremony.

Bowl of matcha tea in a Japanese tea ceremony, showing the cultural traditions of Japan. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Thin matcha tea in a carefully selected bowl for the occasion, the guest, and the season
© Meredith Mullins

All of these preparations ensure that the experience will be completely unique. And that sharing a cup of tea in this moment can never be replicated and, thus, should be treasured.

The Japanese saying Ichi-go Ichi-e means “One time. One Meeting.” Savor the moment, as if it were a once-in-a-lifetime experience . . . because it is.

Wa Kei Sei Jaku: Harmony, Respect, Purity, Tranquility

Wa Kei Sei Jaku

Although each ceremony is different, the four principles of Wa Kei Sei Jaku are always the foundation.

Wa: harmony
Kei: respect
Sei: purity
Jaku: tranquility

These principles ensure that the host and guests show respect for one another, that everyone leaves behind the thoughts and burdens of outside life, that the ceremony is performed from a pure heart, and that, hopefully, everyone finds some inner peace during the ceremony.

Japanese woman offers sweets in a Japanese tea ceremony, showing the cultural traditions of Japan. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

The sharing of a unique moment . . . from the heart.
© Meredith Mullins

The Poetry of Silence

The ceremony is filled with the sensory pleasures. Not only the graceful movements of the host, as the tools are carefully placed and cleaned and as the tea is prepared, but the heightened sounds, since most of the ceremony is performed in silence.

Japanese woman cleaning tea scoop for a Japanese tea ceremony, showing the cultural traditions of Japan. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

The tea scoop, carved from a single piece of bamboo or ivory, is cleaned
with an intricately folded silk cloth.
© Meredith Mullins

The pouring of the tea water from the ladle brings to mind the sound of nature’s flowing water.

The ladling of water during a Japanese tea ceremony, showing the cultural traditions of Japan. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

During the silent preparation, sounds are a sensory pleasure.
© Meredith Mullins

The whisking of the powdered tea and hot water, even though the most frenetic part of the gentle ceremony, is so rhythmic it seems to soothe the soul.

Hands whisking matcha tea in a bowl during the Japanese tea ceremony, showing the cultural traditions of Japan. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

The powdered matcha tea is rapidly whisked together with the hot water.
© Meredith Mullins

The rustling silk of kimonos is a reminder of the depth of tradition.

This is not a chatty social gathering. The conversation is limited to guests asking about the provenance of the utensils, remarking on their beauty, and, perhaps, discussing the theme of the ceremony.

Japanese woman displays the utensils of the Japanese tea ceremony, showing the cultural traditions of Japan. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

The host often displays the utensils for the guests to examine more closely.
© Meredith Mullins

“Oh, I See” Moments from “The Way of Tea”

I was mesmerized by the tea ceremony—hypnotic and elegant. It reaches into the depths of Japanese heritage and cultural traditions.

It reminded me of the beauty you can see when you take the time to appreciate the small details of the world and when you spend moments of quiet time being in the present.

Close up of the tools of the Japanese tea ceremony as the host pours the matcha powder, showing the cultural traditions of Japan. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Every element adds to the harmony and beauty and the experience.
© Meredith Mullins

What impressed me the most are lessons that could be applied outside of the tea ceremony.

Being present in the moment to appreciate the beauty of simplicity and tradition.
Thinking only of others—your guests—and doing everything for their benefit.
Showing ultimate respect for one another.
Sharing something from the heart to strengthen bonds of friendship.

There are many profound elements to the Japanese tea ceremony. For me, the philosophies that could be applied to the rest of life will be the lasting treasures.

*Sen no Rikyu was the Japanese Tea Master who raised the tea ceremony to the level of art in the 16^thcentury.

Thank you to Mrs. Matsui and Kozue Knowles for their guidance in understanding the depth of the tea ceremony and to Cha-Ya tea shop.

Comment on this post below, or inspire insight with your own OIC Moment here.

Meredith Mullins 4 Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Japan/Life Lessons

Aug

Japanese Traditions in Yakushima Photography

by Meredith Mullins on August 1, 2016

Yakushima rainforest showing reverence for nature and Japanese traditions in photography. (Image © Kodo Chijiiwa.)

The primeval rainforest of Japan’s Yakushima Island
© Kodo Chijiiwa

Photographers Show Reverence for Nature, Beauty, and Time

Yakushima is an island in the North Pacific that seems to have its own spirit, its own magic. It is rich in Japanese traditions, as well as exceptional natural beauty—with its lush vegetation, wild coast, ancient trees, and proud mountains.

I had not heard of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before wandering into a gallery at the famous Rencontres d’Arles—a massive annual photography event in southern France.

Thousands of photographs are presented at this summer festival, from vintage treasures to the trends of tomorrow. But there was something special about the collection of images from a group of Japanese (and Japan-inspired) photographers.

Swirling ocean near Yakushima island, showing Japanese traditions of reverence for nature. (Image © Antonin Borgeaud.)

The powerful forces of nature
© Antonin Borgeaud

The connection to nature was strong. The appreciation of beauty—both everyday and extraordinary—had deep roots. And the energy of earth, water, fire, wind, and sky was palpable.

The humility of the photographers was refreshing, as was their willingness to share the underlying philosophies that influence their work.

They had met through the Yakushima Photography Festival (YPF), a collective of French, American, and Japanese photographers who had all felt the spirit of Yakushima.

Each photographer has his or her own vision of Japan and Japanese traditions.

Meet Kodo, Miho, Antonin, Shizuka, and Satoru.

At the mercy of typhoon winds on Yakushima
© Kodo Chijiiwa

Kodo Chijiiwa

Kodo grew up on Yakushima and knows many of the secrets of its land and sea.

Kodo Chijiiwa
© Meredith Mullins

Living on an island, he also knows the power of typhoons and wanted to photograph the force of the winds on Yakushima.

He tried to stabilize his body and the camera; but, he explained, “The winds could control me as they wanted. So, I decided to express the sensation of my body being tossed around by making double exposures of the land and sea.”

These are photographs of sheer energy. We feel the force of nature.

Miho Suzuki

Simply put, Miho believes in beauty—in appreciating the trivial things in nature and daily life.

Beauty in everyday life
© Miho Suzuki

She was inspired by an excerpt from “Two Poems on the Rose” by Kitahara Hakushu that asked the question: why should we marvel at a single rose bloom?

Miho Suzuki, a photographer from the Yakushima Photography group, showing Japanese traditions and reverence for nature and beauty in her work. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

She dedicated her series of photographs to capturing something beautiful each day.

“I have captured the moments that took my breath away in my daily life,” Miho says.

The project is so personal that she doesn’t care if anyone else shares her sense of beauty. The vision is hers alone. These photographs—these memories— bring her happiness.

Antonin Borgeaud

Antonin is a Frenchman and co-founder of the Yakushima Photography Festival. His new series from Yakushima focuses on the lively personalities of the island—the macaques.

Antonin Borgeaud, photographer and co-founder of the Yakushima Photography Festival, focusing on Japanese traditions and reverence for nature. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

These old-world monkeys inhabit a small part of the island, indifferent to the presence of human visitors.

Antonin looked for the soul of each and presents a series of portraits where we are shown something of their curious personality.

Even though it is not recommended to make eye contact with a macaque (it’s a sign of aggression), the photographs clearly show a connection between subject and photographer.

Shizuka Sato

Shizuka is sister and godmother to her younger brother Takuto.

She also named him, when her parents asked her to suggest a name. Her music class was studying conductor’s batons (called takuto in Japanese). She liked the sound of the word . . . and so did her parents.

Shizuka went away for a time, and when she returned home, she was surprised to see how quickly Takuto had grown. He was no longer a child. He was a young man.

Young man on bed by Shizuka Sato, showing Japanese traditions, reverence for nature, and passing of time. (Image © Shizuoka Sato.)

Her photographs of Takuto tell a story of vanishing time—and deliver a nostalgic message that many things, including youth, are fleeting. The underlying message: Savor the moments.

Satoru Watanabe

Satoru’s stunning photography is born from Japanese traditions and respect for nature. He explains his influences:

“My grandmother was country-bred and prayed to everything. For her, kami-sama (the gods) was not something to seek forgiveness from, nor something that made wishes come true. Kami-sama was invisible, and yet worth folding her hands to.

Photograph of forest by Satoru Watanabe, showing Japanese traditions and reverence for nature. (Image © Satoru Watanabe.)

Satoru Watanabe, photographer from Yakushima Photography group who follows Japanese traditions and shows reverence for nature. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

I can still hear her saying ‘Don’t make a wish to the gods. Just pray with folded hands.’

When I take walks in the forest up in the mountains, I believe the energy I felt was the same existence that my grandmother was folding her hands to—the gods in nature.

As I grow older, the frequencies in which I fold my hands increases, but even now, I never make a wish.”

Satoru doesn’t make wishes. He simply portrays the beauty and clarity of life in his photographs.

Bottle on table, a photograph by Satoru Watanabe showing Japanese traditions and reverence for nature. (Image © Satoru Watanabe.)

Oh, I See

Da.Gasita book of Satoru Watanabe, following Japanese traditions and reverence for nature. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

One of Satoru’s books is called Da.gasita. This phrase, In the Yonezawa dialect of Japanese, means “Oh I See.” The Japanese use the phrase often in conversation to let people know they have heard what’s being said and acknowledge its importance.

In wandering into the small gallery in Arles of this interesting group of photographers, I heard (and saw) what was being said. Da.gasita.

And my vision of Japanese traditions and my reverence for nature and beauty has been altered forever.

Arigatou Yakushima.

Sun reflection by Satoru Watanabe, showing Japanese traditions and reverence for nature. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

For more information on the Yakushima Photography Festival, visit here.

For more information on the Rencontres d’Arles, visit here.