Chanoyu (Japanese Tea Ceremony) with Florizel
With 25 years of dedicated study in Chado, the Japanese Way of Tea, Florizel brings a deep and authentic understanding of this ancient practice to San Diego. A native of the city, Florizel’s journey into the world of Tea began during her college years in Northern California. Her passion led her to Kyoto, Japan, where she was honored with a one-year scholarship for immersive study under the Urasenke Grand Tea Master. Alongside her training, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Japanese, enriching her connection to the culture.
Since returning from Kyoto, Florizel has been sharing her expertise at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park and through private lessons. Join us at Otsukimi to experience the serenity and mindfulness of Chado firsthand. Come see how a simple bowl of tea can bring peace and reflection into your life, as Florizel shares the Grandmaster’s timeless motto: “Peacefulness Through a Bowl of Tea.”
category:
Cultural Booth
Food/Drink
Contact:
Florizel Yasuhara (Soryu 宗留)
PERFORMANCE TIME:
5:00PM – 6:00PM – 7:30PM
Links
Tea Tradition
The roots of Chadō (the Japanese Way of Tea) can be traced back several centuries. Tea was consumed for pleasure in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The first introduction of tea plants into Japan is believed to have occurred in the early 800s when Japanese scholar-monks studying in China returned to Japan bringing tea seeds with them. It is reported that in 815, during a journey to Karasaki, the Japanese Emperor Saga was served tea by the Buddhist Abbott Eichu (742-816) at Bonshakuji Temple. The Emperor later promoted the cultivation of tea plants including in the capital.
The most well-known figure in the history of the Japanese Chadō, however, is Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591) who perfected the tea practice we currently enjoy. Although many tea practitioners in the 1500s valued expensive, imported tea utensils, Rikyū is said to have been the first to use common Japanese and/or “found objects” as simple utensils for tea. He taught that it was important to concentrate on the processes of boiling water and preparations to make delicious tea. Sen no Rikyu introduced the four principles of the Way of Tea: wa, kei, sei, and jaku, or harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. He also promoted the idea of ichi-go ichi-e, a philosophy that each meeting happens only once in a lifetime and so should be treasured.
Sen no Rikyu’s grandson, Genpaku Sotan (1578-1658), split the family estate among his three sons, forming three houses (or schools). These are the Urasenke, Omotesenke, and Mushakojisenke traditions of tea. Over the centuries the Urasenke tradition has spread worldwide largely due to the efforts of the 15th Grand Master, Dr. Soshitsu Sen XV (since retirement called Hounsai Daisosho) who travels prolifically advocating “Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea”.
