<Articles>Reconsidering the religious layers of the Art of Tea : Kencha-ceremonies and the central meaning of a tea offering

Abstract

The Art of Tea is often considered to see its most natural expression in Rinzai Zen Buddhism, and most research on the religious meaning of Japanese Tea has regarded Zen as its ultimate reference. There is no doubt that the close connection between Tea and Zen begins at a very early stage in the development of the Art of Tea, namely, with the appearance of Shukō (1423–1502). However, Murata's standpoint is neither the earliest point in the religious history of Tea in Japan nor an adequate reflection of the manifold connections between Buddhism and Tea at present. I will reconsider the adequacy of Zen's predominant role in the Art of Tea in two steps. I will first analyse the theories on the Art of Tea by Yanagi Muneyoshi and Sen Sōoku (Zuien-sai). Then, I will deal with kencha ceremonies as a material aspect of Tea religion. This relatively young phenomenon of public tea offerings at temples and shrines creates a unique religious space that combines art with religion. An analysis of present kencha ceremonies and their historical model in Buddhist practice by using the results of part one can provide a new understanding of the religious side of the Art of Tea.