Principles
Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku
Sen No Rikyu developed a Tea ceremony "principle" or "philosophy". The principle is called "Wa, Kei, Sei, and Jaku". This means "harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility" in English.
Wa, or harmony, basically means that the garden and the teahouse should be in "harmony". Everything should flow together, and the utensils should all have the same colour scheme, and match, or "be in harmony with each other".
Kei, or respect, means that guests should treat the teahouse and equipment with respect and treat the host with respect. In return, the host should also treat the guests with respect. The guests are also supposed to bow to the hanging scroll to show respect as well.
Sei, or purity, is the third part of the "Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku" principle. The tea ceremony is a way of "purifying the mind and soul". When entering the teahouse, guests should momentarily let go of all their thoughts and worries. Participants should cleanse their minds by meditating and drinking the tea.
The final part, Jaku, or tranquility, is the most important part of the principle. You can only experience tranquility after successfully experiencing the first three parts. Only then will you be able to be in tranquility.
Wa, or harmony, basically means that the garden and the teahouse should be in "harmony". Everything should flow together, and the utensils should all have the same colour scheme, and match, or "be in harmony with each other".
Kei, or respect, means that guests should treat the teahouse and equipment with respect and treat the host with respect. In return, the host should also treat the guests with respect. The guests are also supposed to bow to the hanging scroll to show respect as well.
Sei, or purity, is the third part of the "Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku" principle. The tea ceremony is a way of "purifying the mind and soul". When entering the teahouse, guests should momentarily let go of all their thoughts and worries. Participants should cleanse their minds by meditating and drinking the tea.
The final part, Jaku, or tranquility, is the most important part of the principle. You can only experience tranquility after successfully experiencing the first three parts. Only then will you be able to be in tranquility.
Wabi, means "seeing and appreciating beauty in simple and natural things" in English. This philosophy basically means that everything should be simple and look natural, or from nature. For example, the wall should not be painted, and the floor should not be waxed or polished. Things should not be used in excess. For example, only one branch of a flower is considered enough for decoration for the tea room.
Kokoroire, or devotion, means that the host or the person performing the ceremony should put their heart, soul, and effort into the tea ceremony. They should be completely devoted to it and pledge their life to tea.