The Deep Connection Between Tea Ceremony, Zen, and Wagashi
Among the most popular aspects of Japanese culture for foreign visitors are the tea ceremony, Zen, and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). But did you know that these three are deeply interconnected?
The method of drinking matcha (powdered green tea), which is practiced today, was introduced by Eisai, the founder of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. In 1168, he brought back tea seeds from the Song Dynasty in China and reintroduced the practice of tea drinking, which had been abandoned in Japan. From the beginning, Zen and the tea ceremony have been intertwined in Japan.
How Matcha Became Essential in Zen Temples for Awakening
Zen Buddhism, with its rigorous practices centered on zazen (meditation), emphasizes the elimination of all desires and attachments in the pursuit of enlightenment. Among these desires, overcoming the desire for sleep is considered the most challenging. Therefore, consuming matcha, which is rich in caffeine, became a key practice in Zen temples to help monks stay awake and focused during their rigorous training. In this way, tea was regarded as a kind of "medicine" with awakening effects.
The Evolution of Wagashi: From Simple Sweets to Tea Ceremony Art
On the other hand, wagashi has an even longer history. It is said that the origins of wagashi can be traced back to the Jomon period (approximately 14,000 BCE to 300 BCE). By the Yayoi period (approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE), rice and grain powders were used to make mochi (rice cakes) and dango (dumplings). Sweets like "Tsubaki-mochi" appeared in Heian period (794 to 1185) literature, such as The Tale of Genji (between 1000 and 1010 CE, considered one of the world's first novels) marking the beginning of beautifully crafted sweets.
During the Heian period, sweets were primarily offerings to the imperial court. However, wagashi evolved into delicate, aesthetically pleasing sweets through its connection with the tea ceremony. In the Muromachi period, the tea ceremony (chanoyu) flourished under the influence of Sen no Rikyu, who perfected the wabi-cha style. As the popularity of the tea ceremony grew, so did wagashi.
The Refinement of Wagashi: Edo Artisans and the Rise of Wabi-Sabi Aesthetics
In tea gatherings of the Muromachi period (1336 to 1573), light meals called "Tenshin" were served between formal meals. Among these dishes was a type of soup called "Kan," which had 48 varieties, such as Inoshishi-kan (wild boar soup) and Shirauo-kan (whitebait soup). One of these was "Yokan (a soup made with lamb)." However, as eating animal meat was not customary in Japan, plant-based ingredients like barley and azuki beans were used to mimic the texture of lamb. This led to the creation of Mushi-Yokan (steamed Yokan), and later, the discovery of agar during the Edo period gave rise to Neri-Yokan (jellied Yokan).
During the Edo period (1603 to 1868), wagashi flourished. With peace established, artisans could focus on refining their confectionery-making techniques. Many of the wagashi we enjoy today originated in the Edo period, where regional specialties and the art of naming and decorating wagashi developed significantly. Wagashi’s aesthetic restraint, embodying the concept of "Wabi-Sabi," was influenced by its role in the tea ceremony, where simplicity and subtle beauty were highly valued.
Why Not Immerse Yourself in All Three Traditions: Tea, Zen, and Wagashi?
Even today, wagashi is always served during tea ceremonies. At our company’s tea ceremony tours at "Chawa Masudaya," wagashi is provided, and at "Fufumi-an," where we hold wagashi-making class in collaboration with "Baika-tei," you can also enjoy matcha. The president of Baika-tei, Mr. Takeshi Inoue, has received the tea name "Sogo" from the head of the Urasenke school of tea. Furthermore, at the "Denchu-ji temple," where we offer zazen meditation experiences, there is a tea room where wagashi is served.
Thus, the connection between 'tea ceremony,' 'Zen,' and 'wagashi' is inseparable. Rather than experiencing each of these traditions individually, why not experience all three together? Only by doing so can you fully grasp the essence of Japan’s centuries-old traditions and the spirituality that has shaped the Japanese people. This unique experience is what makes a trip to Japan truly worthwhile.
Furthermore, these three experiences are all conveniently located within a 20-minute walk or train ride from one another, making it possible to enjoy all three in a single day.
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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