In the how to learn to be empathic? [4] ... "Chado: Ichi-go ichi-e"

ZENISM -> TEAISM

Continuing with my last post, besides Teaism, we mentioned Zenism as the origin of the Chado.

Zen is described as the art of feeling the polar star in the southern sky (What ??)

Reading further, I found more concrete explanations of what the Zen Philosophy is about:

- Zenism says that Truth can be reached only through the comprehension of opposites.

- The followers of Zen aimed at direct communion with the inner nature of things, regarding their outward accessories only as impediments to perceive Truth

(Aha!! this reminds me Maslow's words, when he talks of self-actualizing people as more astute in his/her perception of others)

Perhaps, in hopes of avoiding be misled by the outward accessories of things is that Zen recognizes the mundane as equally important to the spiritual, which can explain the reason why the most respected Zen monks were given the more tedious and demeaning tasks to be performed absolutely perfectly.

TEAISM, CHADO or CHANOYU

Teaism is a result of this Zen conception of greatness in the smallest incident of life.

Teaism involves training to see the world around us. To see, in Teaism, is to let the distorting lens of social custom and valuation fall away, and to perceive and appreciate things for themselves, or in Maslow's words to cognize instead of simply abstract.

In human relationships, having no designs on others and being free of the calculation to impress or compete are principles of Respect. And in Teaism, Respect (between the host and guest) can be achieved through long discipline and practice.

Ichi-go ichi-e 一期一会 (one time one meeting), these words define the attitude of the practitioner of tea. One should hold the host in most respectful esteem, having in mind that, that gathering would occur only once in your life.

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Let me finish this post with the following. If I wish to learn to be more empathic, I shall take away my distorting lens to be able to see the core and essence of others. I shall think of Ichi-go ichi-e in my future gatherings and encounters with others, avoiding putting designs on people, neither impressing nor competing. I shall nurture Respect, and for this the practice of Teaism can help.

Special thanks to Daisuke and Jose for this gift "The Book of Tea".