Senchadō & Me - Essay for Junshihan Application

Last year, after I returned from participating in the Tsukimi Senchadō (月見の煎茶会), I decided to pursue the Junshihan (準師範) license with my school, Oubakubaisa-ryu (黄檗売茶流). As part of the process, I had to write an essay titled "Senchadō and Me", which you can find below. It talked about my first encounter with senchadō, my personal journey, and my aspirations. Besides this, I have to perform two temae (procedures) in front of the iemoto (Grand Master), which I will share in another post.

I hope this essay will give you a glimpse of my tea ceremony studies and perhaps inspire you to learn more about it.

Introduction: First Encounter with Senchadō

My journey with Senchadō began in 2021, when I was studying Japanese teas with the Global Japanese Tea Association. During one session, they showed a video of a Senchadō tea ceremony. I was captivated by the movements and teaware. It reminded me of Chinese tea brewing, yet with its own unique refinement. In that moment, I felt an instant connection, as though this was a Way of Tea that was quietly waiting for me.

That opportunity came in May 2023, on my first visit to Tokyo after the pandemic. I was fortunate to take a lesson with Sosetsu-sensei and Nakai-sensei. Though the lesson was brief, it left a lasting impression. After returning home, I began online trial lessons with Sosetsu-sensei. Even through the monitor, I could feel her warmth and care, which reassured me that I had found the right path.

Learning and Practicing

As the lessons continued, they evolved from a monthly practice to becoming a rhythm in my life. Each session brought not only new temae, but also glimpses into the history, philosophy, and artistry of Senchadō. Alongside practice, I began reading texts that deepened my understanding.

The first was The Old Tea Seller: Life and Zen Poetry in 18th Century Kyoto, Baisao’s biography and poetry translated by Norman Waddell. I was inspired by Baisao’s devotion to sharing tea freely, and by his vision of cultivating a life of peace and harmony. Two quotes from the book remain close to my heart:

“The price for this tea is anything from a hundred in gold to a half sen. If you want to drink for free, that's all right too. I'm only sorry I can't let you have it for less.”

“When the mind is truly at peace, wherever you are is pleasant, whether you live in a marketplace or in a mountain hermitage.”

The second book, Patricia J. Graham’s Tea of the Sages: The Art of Sencha, gave me historical context. It revealed how Senchadō grew not only from technique, but also from a search for meaning, beauty, and cultivated living.

Through these studies, I realized that Senchadō is not only about preparing a fine cup of tea. It is also a path of cultivation, a discipline that brings clarity of mind and harmony with the world.

Personal Growth Through Practice

Of course, this understanding did not come overnight. In the beginning, my thoughts were filled with questions: Are my hands in the right position? Is my posture correct? Did I measure the tea properly? At times, my own self-consciousness felt like a barrier.

But with practice, something shifted. My body began to remember what my mind no longer needed to control. One day, I realized I had completed an entire temae almost without thinking. The movements felt natural, almost like a meditation in motion. That moment was both surprising and liberating.

I have studied other forms of tea practice, such as chanoyu and Chinese gongfucha, but it was Senchadō that allowed me to experience this freedom of mind most vividly. Through it, I glimpse what it means for body and spirit to move together in harmony. The tempo of my movements and the rhythm of my breath guided my temae, where I felt relaxed yet still in control. Unlike the precise procedures of chanoyu or the spontaneity of gongfucha, Senchadō holds a balance between form and freedom, allowing me to breathe naturally within its structure. These moments of harmony are still rare, but each glimpse feels like a gentle reminder of the path I wish to pursue. This is the state I hope to continue cultivating: where practice becomes not just skill, but a way of being.

Looking Ahead: Aspiration as Junshihan

My decision to apply for Junshihan is not one I take lightly. To me, tea has always been more than a beverage. It is a gateway to history, culture, people, and artistry. As a tea educator, I have shared Japanese loose-leaf teas through workshops and events, yet I know that many people, especially outside Japan, are less familiar with sencha and gyokuro compared to the popular matcha and hojicha lattes.

By becoming a Junshihan, I hope to take the next step in sharing the culture of steeped tea. I want to introduce others not only to the taste of sencha, but also to the spirit of Senchadō: its lessons of self-cultivation, appreciation of nature, and the beauty of refined yet simple hospitality. In doing so, I hope to contribute, in my own small way, to sustaining both the cultural tradition of Senchadō and the tea industry that makes it possible.

Closing Reflection

Senchadō began for me as a spark of curiosity, but over time, it has become a practice that grounds, challenges, and inspires me. Through it, I have glimpsed moments where body, breath, and spirit move as one. These moments remind me that tea is not only an art but also a way of cultivation. As I walk this path, I hope to embody the teachings of Senchadō with sincerity and to share its quiet richness with others. Becoming Junshihan is not an end, but a beginning: a chance to guide others while remaining a lifelong student myself.