The Way of Tea (Wabi-sabi) ~ Sen No Rikyu ~ Zen Buddhism
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Sep 6, 2025
Delve into the teachings of Sen No Rikyu, a pivotal figure in the Japanese tea ceremony. Explore the concept of wabi-sabi, where beauty lies in imperfection and simplicity. Discover how Rikyu transformed the tea experience into a mindful practice that fosters connection and serenity. Reflect on the importance of small actions in cultivating awareness and awakening. The podcast highlights the beauty found in handmade, rustic tea bowls and emphasizes the natural rhythm of life through this meditative ritual.
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Simplicity As Practice
The Way of Tea reduces to simple, mindful actions: boil water, infuse tea, and drink properly.
This simplicity reframes ritual as direct practice rather than elaborate ceremony.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Prepare With Seasonality And Humility
Arrange flowers naturally and match seasonal cues to create presence for guests.
Approach the Way with humility and cleanse the heart before entering the practice.
insights INSIGHT
Form Versus Heart
Serving tea from the heart is rare; many know form but few embody spirit.
The dewy path symbolizes leaving worldly mire to find a pure, humble presence.
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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'With deep thanks to Swami for permission to use his beautiful music for this channelPlease find his music here: https://insighttimer.com/swamimadhuram
🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Wisdom of the Masters 
