Wa Kei Sei Jaku (harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity) are the
four principles of Chanoyu as left by tea master Sen Rikyu (1522-1591). They are
the principles that practitioners of tea endeavor to integrate into their daily
lives. These principles are a reflection of the pure spirit and soul of Sen
Rikyu. While not a true zengo (Zen phrase) these four simple words can be
realized after much practice.
Wa (harmony) is the ultimate ideal for human beings. It is the
positive interaction between the host and the guest in a tea gathering or among
people in any situation in life. Tea is the sharing between the host and guest
and is not a solitary pursuit. Harmony extends to nature, as well, and to
tangibles such as tea utensils, everyday utensils and life itself. True harmony
brings peace.
Kei (respect) is the ability to understand and accept others, even
those who we may be in disagreement with. When we are kind to others, and can
humble ourselves, we can receive respect. In tea the host thinks of the guest
and the guest of the host. It is this continued sharing and consideration that
makes the tea gathering both memorable and successful. Ideally, all are of the
same rank in the tea room. It is important to treat everything and everybody
with the same respect. Treat utensils of various pedigree the same. The price of
an object should not dictate how it is treated. Extend a pure heart and true
respect can be realized.
Sei (purity) is the ability to treat oneself and others with a pure
and open heart. This is really the essence of tea training. This purity is not
one of absolute cleanliness but one of pure heart. With a pure heart, harmony
and respect can be realized. When the tea garden is cleaned ones heart and soul
are also being purified. When one wears clean clothes this purity also exists. A
pure heart is not showy but natural. Sen Rikyu's ideal of purity was the natural
look of the garden after it was cleaned and a few leaves from a tree fell onto
the freshly manicured moss.
Jaku (tranquillity) is the point in ones training and practice where a
level of selflessness is reached. While on the one hand it is the ultimate goal,
on the other it is the beginning once again. A true master reaches this highest
level and then putting the ideals of harmony, respect and purity into practice,
begins again with a fresh and enlightened heart. At this point the endless
possibilities of life can be realized.
(calligraphy by Kankai Onozawa, retired Abbot of Jukoin Temple
at Daitokuji, Kyoto)