The Japanese Tea Ceremony ― Cha-no-yu and the Zen Art of Mindfulness

The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a detailed examination of the five-centuries-old tea ceremony—or cha-no-yu in Japanese, literally "hot water for tea"—a cornerstone of Japanese culture and a refined practice of Zen Buddhism.

Framed by intricately choreographed steps, the tea ceremony is as much about contemplation and the search for enlightenment as it is about the serving of tea. Within the serenity of the tea room, the ceremony, with its formal structure, becomes an object of focus for conscious meditation. As the water is heated and the tea is served, the ultimate goal is losing the sense of self while gaining inner peace. The path to mindfulness runs through the center of the tea ceremony.

Abundantly illustrated with over 160 drawings and 40 color photos showing every aspect of the ceremony, this book takes readers on a complete tour of furniture and utensils, architecture and gardens, and numerous other features of cha-no-yu. Delve into the many disciplines contained within the broader framework of the tea ceremony, including Japanese art, architecture, gardening, and exquisite handicrafts. Learn more about the experiences of masters of the tea ceremony over the centuries and histories of the various schools and traditions of the art of tea. Full-color photos of tea bowls, teahouses, and gardens reveal the exquisite artistry of the cult of tea and this important Japanese tradition.

With a new foreword by award-winning author Laura C. Martin, The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a fascinating exploration of the ritual and the Zen philosophy of one of Japan's greatest art forms, truly "an epitome of Japanese civilization."

A.L. Sadler was Professor of Oriental Studies at the University of Sydney for twenty-six years as well as Professor of Japanese at the Royal Military College of Australia. Among his works are Shogun: The Life of Tokugawa Ieyasu, A Short History of Japanese Architecture, A Short History of Japan, The Ten Foot Square Hut, and Tales of the Heike.

Laura C. Martin is an award-winning author who has studied the complexities of plants for decades. She served as the garden editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Georgia magazine and has written for publications ranging from American Horticulturist to Better Homes & Gardens. She is the author of A History of Tea: The Life and Times of the World's Favorite Beverage.