The Way of Tea (Wabi-sabi) ~ Sen No Rikyu ~ Zen Buddhism

A reading of verses on 'The Spirit of Wabi-sabi: Beauty in Imperfection' by Sen No Rikyu.

Sen no Rikyū (1522 -1591), was a Japanese tea master considered the most important influence on the chanoyu, the Japanese "Way of Tea", particularly the tradition of wabi-cha. Rikyū’s life unfolded during a turbulent period in Japanese history—an age of warlords and shifting powers—but in the midst of that chaos, he cultivated a space of serenity. His teachings arose from Zen Buddhism and the profound silence of mindful observation. He once said, “In the small, seek the great.” This encapsulates the heart of his worldview: that in the smallest actions—the placing of a cup, the bow before pouring water, the sweeping of a path—there lies an opportunity for awakening.

Central to Rikyū’s vision of life is the concept of wabi-sabi—the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. He brought this aesthetic into the tea ceremony by simplifying and refining it until only the essential remained. He preferred rustic, handmade tea bowls with irregular shapes and muted colors over ornate Chinese porcelain. These objects, flawed yet harmonious, reminded participants of their own impermanence and the natural rhythm of life.

Music: Swami Madhuram - 'Calm'
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https://insighttimer.com/swamimadhuram
https://timeforpeace.bandcamp.com/
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