A Different Experience

It was drizzling softly while we hustled our way from the busy train station to the little Japanese sanctuary stationed in busy Manhattan.  When I entered the building, I tried to stay quiet, not sure of the policies that were maintained in it. I loved the waiting area which seemed to made of wood and bamboo. It was earthy and natural, just like the tea we were soon about to drink.

After we walked inside for the tea ceremony, I noticed everything was so simple. I expected a little more decoration. But what surprised me the most was the small miniature garden. Looking out the open doors into the garden, I felt like I was in a small corner in Japan. The atmosphere was so serene and calm. I just loved it.

I also loved the informality of the ceremony. Like others, I expected it to be stricter than what we experienced. The fact that our tea master was eager to give us as much information as possible and to make us comfortable was very amiable. I was surprised to see that our host wasn’t preparing the tea. Nonetheless, I loved to hear him while watching our other tea master prepare the tea. Her movements were graceful and yet at the same time rigid, or should I say structured. The crackers given were also simple and delicious. What surprised me was the tea. I’ve never seen green tea so green. It was so vibrant and beautiful. The frothy and lukewarm tea took me by surprise because I thought it would be a little bit sweet and warmer. However, it was earthy and grassy, which was also delicious.

I was noticed there were a few ginkgo trees outside of Urasenke and didn’t think much of it. Later when I saw the imprint of a single ginkgo leaf on the sweet, it made me wonder the meaning of the ginkgo in Japanese culture. So I looked it up and this is what I found: “The ginkgo leaf is a popular motif in Japanese art, ceramics, textiles, family crests, symbols or logos, literature, and poetry.” “The ginkgo tree is considered “the bearer of hope” and a symbol of peace” because of the “gingko’s heartiness and longevity.” This is really interesting considering the tradition of the tea ceremony has been going on for thousands of years. I suggest you read more about it here:  http://janmstore.com/ginkgo.html.

In conclusion, I loved this experience and I wished it was a little longer. Maybe we can go back again someday? That would be nice.