Buddhism – Chanoyu Decoded

Omogashi and Kaishi

Omo-ga-shi, 主菓子, main-sweet-of, is served and eaten before drinking koi-cha, 濃茶, thick-tea. Ideally, the sweet is made just prior to serving it, which gives it other name of nama-ga-shi, 生菓子, live-sweet-of. In life, such sweets are served at any time, accompanying a wide variety of teas and other beverages. In Chanoyu omogashi is enjoyed from a special paper called kai-shi, 懐紙, heart-paper; the specific type of folded Japanese paper used as a plate for serving and eating o-ka-shi, お菓子, hon.-sweet-of, which refers to the traditional sweet or confectionery. Kaishi supporting an omogashi and a kuromoji, a bowl of koicha served in a kuro raku cha-wan, 黒楽茶碗,...

Chanoyu and Zen Landscapes Part 2

Humans have been attracted to mountains, or at least high places, from their beginnings. The higher the better. Kids play king of the mountain when they are strong enough to wrest it from others. Buildings soar above clouds. Every higher place beckons the climber. The view is never wider. Even in space. What is above or beyond. Japan’s Fujisan has been worshiped from the time of human habitation. It is climbed to see the sunrise, especially on New Year’s morning. Some mountains are too sacred to trespass upon. The Kanji, hachi, 八, is essentially a triangle, and the triangle with a single point upward is a symbol...