The tea ceremony: its history and its message

Japanese hospitality is known throughout the world and your honor. The roots of this behavior, and their love of nature in both religions that profess Buddhism and Shintoism. The tea ceremony symbolizes harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Attend a tea ceremony is a great way to express friendship and brotherhood.
History of the Tea CeremonyTea originated in China. Its use dates back to the third century BC, when it was used as a beverage and medicine. Already in the eighth and ninth centuries, tea has been used in rituals, where the Buddha attained popularity. It is likely that tea was introduced to Japan during the period of Prince Shotoku, who sent ambassadors and students in China.In the late twelfth century, Eisai, a Zen monk brought seeds from Japan began to culture in the prefecture of Fukuoka. Use it soon became popular among the nobles and senior monks, as in China. It was also used in the rituals of Buddha. In the fourteenth century its use spread among the upper classes and the samurai class monks and a few commoners. Under the command of the Shogun Yoshimasa, the use of tea flourished in a very elegant and sumptuous culminated in a large hall. 
Today, the ceremony is less sumptuous. This simplified version was created by a monk who served Yoshimasa and dates from the mid fifteenth century. This monk named Murata Shuko, the tea master first. Several teachers came after him. However, Sen Rikyu be established that the tea ceremony as a complete art as it is today.The four principles of a gathering of friendsWa or harmony, in a meeting should be a good harmony between the host and guests. The host chooses the utensils and placed floral arrangements depending on the season. Therefore, the meeting is also harmonized with nature. Kei or respect, once inside the room, guests become one with the host, which means that any social situation must be remembered that all are equal.Sei or purity symbolically washed the dust of the impurity, and the place is clean and decorated. Iyaku or peace, the meeting takes place in silence, so that you can see the spirituality of their host in many ways. At the same time, the host communicates with its visitors through the details, decoration, ceremony, beauty and simplicity of cooking utensils. 
Lessons from the tea ceremonyFirst, never forget that at any meeting of the guests gathered for the appreciation felt by the host for them. Therefore, following the principles of the tea ceremony, when invited to a meeting must maintain respect for the host at any time. Avoid making negative comments about the house, furniture, food, family. 
Home equity should take precedence over social status. A good friendship based on respect and equality. If you are hosting the meeting will seek to harmonize. Invite your friends to show respect, especially for you and your home, as these are the rules with which they conduct their meeting. Do not forget the cleaning and decoration. The meeting will be unforgettable if done in a relaxed atmosphere typical of a simple conversation or deep.Once this is achieved, the discussion may vary in themes such as friendship itself, leisure travel, temples, archaeological sites, history, belief, love can also be explored such skills as singing and poetry. However, the maintenance of tolerance and respect for all opinions and beliefs of others.You should hear, see and learn how to participate. It is important to remember that people are narcissistic or too much noise or disrespect or disregard or lack of judgment that do not like this type of meeting.