一期一会 (Ichigo-ichie)

The scroll...

The phrase arise from the days of the Samurai where there was great turmoil and uncertainty. Before departing for a mission, all samurai would gather to drink a bowl of tea as one never know if they would be able to meet ever again... This gathering is treated like the last and became what is to this day kokoro of Sado (茶道の心).

“一期”refers to one lifetime and“一会”means only one meeting. Thus the phrase“一期一会”refers to the once chance once in a lifetime. In Sado, when preparing tea for the guests, the host should hold the heart of “一期一会”treating this moment and gathering as the last encounter. This term is also much repeated in budo (武道) to emphasize non-occurence concept. In a life-or-death struggle, there is no chance to "try again" and each stroke should be used as singly and decisively.

This is the same as philosophy as treasuring the moment during the previous Sado performance that I have watched at the Asian Civilisations Museum that I have watched in September.

In a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, all utensils, flowers, scroll, incense, tea powder, etc., are all specially selected by the host. Al details are worked out to the finest details by the host... I used to find my Sado teacher too "strict", picking on the nitty gritty of the steps. Since the philosophy of tea making lies in the heart of the host and not the steps why the fuss? With that my sensei replied that because if you have the heart, the sincere and geninue heart to prepare that bowl of tea for the guest, all the steps will come naturally and there won't be any mistake. All the steps are done for a reason behind. For e.g. the cleaning of the hands before making the tea is just a form. The host does not literally go and clean his or her hands. But it's more like the preparing and cleaning the heart to prepare the tea. The mixing of the cold water with the hot water after pouring in to make sure that the temperature from the top of the kettle to the bottom is even. The placement of the utensils towards the guest so that while waiting for the host to prepare the bowl of tea, the guest can enjoy looking at the utensils.

This paper is found beside the scroll. The first line from the right is abt the scroll, the second, the type of flowers displayed, the third line is above the vase, fourth line on incense holder,... the tea utensils etc. The host will write the type of utensils used and the makers. It is so detailed. Amazing.

The utensils...