Hello, I am Yoshi from NILS Japanese language school. Today, we had a cultural activity, “Tanabata Festival.” NILS students experienced tea ceremony, calligraphy and yukata (浴衣）.



It is very important for foreign students not only to study Japanese language but also to learn Japanese traditional culture. We believe they can deepen their understanding about our culture through these cultural activities.





Today, I would like to introduce an idea or way of thinking about tea ceremony.

和敬清寂（Wa-kei-sei-jaku）



Sen-no-Rikyu (千利休), the historical figure with the most profound influence on the tea ceremony, expressed his passion to the tea ceremony in these four words, “Wa Kei Sei Jaku.”
“Wa (和)” means ‘to be friendly to each other’. This is the basic behavior not only in tea ceremony but also in human society.
“Kei (敬)” means ‘respect’. Respect each other and humble yourself. When everyone does it, no one can be stubborn and you can join the ceremony in peaceful mind.
“Sei (清)” means ‘clear’ to have clear mind as well as clear looking. In tea ceremony, it is important to try to get rid of dirty or vague mind and make it very clear.
“Jaku (寂)” means ‘to have strong mind’. It is important to have a strong mind not to be in panic whatever happens in your daily life.





July 1st News, from NILS Japanese language school.