The Tea Ceremony

As mentioned in our philosophy section, the tea ceremony is performed with courtesy, respect and discipline.  The tea ceremony is a traditional way to transfer Ki or "Life Force" from person to person.  Good Ki is referred to as "Sun Ki", while bad Ki is known as "Sa Ki".  The provider of the tea ceremony is a Master of the Art.  Essentially, it is someone who has a deep understanding of Ki.  The provider in the tea ceremony must also have a clear mind and a good attitude.  In studying the tea ceremony, one must learn the elements of Pyung Hang Gong, which is the method for gaining Ki.  

The philosophy of "emptiness" and "purpose" teach the right way of life.  During the tea ceremony the mind is clear and free of negative thought or influence.  As we empty the tea cup and refill the tea cup, we empty ourselves of thought and refill ourselves with positive energy and influence.  As the tea cup allows it's purpose to be fulfilled by receiving the tea, the tea cup also allows the tea to have it's purpose.  Without the tea cup to hold the tea, the tea loses it's purpose.  This is the lesson of "purpose".  This teaches us to be more conscious and recognize the purpose of life in nature and the universe.  

Everything has a purpose in the laws of nature.  If we can empty our minds, and open ourselves to the lessons of the tea ceremony, then we can begin to understand the relation of things.  All life is changing.  All life gives purpose to nature.  Look further into your surroundings and deeper into the relationships.  Many times our perception is clouded by quick judgment, and this blocks our understanding.  Our emotions take control and balance is lost.  If balance is lost, then our quality of life suffers.  Remember to seek the "purpose" of things and practice "emptiness".  These are key lessons of the tea ceremony and lessons for life.  

In order to perform the tea ceremony, you must have the following materials on hand: 

  • The first tool is the Cha Tong, this is the container which holds the green tea. 

Cha Tong

  • Then use the Cha Si, which is a bamboo stick used to retrieve the green tea from the container. 

Cha Si

  • Next prepare a Cha Po, which is a cloth placed underneath the cups (bowls) that people will be drinking from. 

  • The Su Goo is a cup or bowl used in the ceremony to gather the water.

Su Goo

  • Then the Ta Kwan, which is the serving pot used in the ceremony, is needed. 

Ta Kwan

  • The next tool is the Ta Soo Ki, the cup or bowl used for discarding sediment. 

Ta Soo Ki

  • The last tool used in the ceremony is the Cha Jan, a cup which is used for drinking the tea.

Cha Jan

Traditional Tea Preparation

  • Boil the water
  • Put the tea into the Ta Kwan. 
  • Gather the hot water in the Su Goo and wait 10 minutes for the water to cool to 70 degrees Celsius. 
  • Rinse the Ta Kwan with the tea inside once. 
  • Dump the water into the Toa Soo Ki after the water has performed the cleaning of the tea.
  • Clean all the Chat Jan in the Toa Soo Ki’s liquid that was produced from the previous step.
  • Collect water for the second time in the Su Goo. Then once the water reaches 70 degrees Celsius pour the water into the Ta Kwan.
  • Allow the tea to mix with the water, time may vary from tea to tea 
  • Pour the water from the Ta Kwan into the individual cups (Chat Jan).
  • The server must drink first before anyone else drinks. 
  • Those who did not serve must express their appreciation by drinking with two hands.
  • When one drinks, one must taste the tea with the tip of their tongue.
  • Drinkers must empty their minds.
  • The above steps must be repeated a total of five times.