What may appear to us as a simple social act is, in Japanese culture, a ritual full of symbolism that has developed under the influence of Zen Buddhism. Originally, Buddhist monks used tea as an aid to meditation. However, over time, taking tea developed into a ceremony that has impregnated the whole of Japanese culture. This is Chado, a ritual whose basic principles are: economy, for wellbeing comes through simplicity; harmony; respect; purity; and inner peace. Those interested in learning more about this ceremony are invited to attend, either as spectators or as participants, actually taking tea. In any case, some advice, garnered from the philosophy behind this ritual: arrive in good time; show respect for others; and dress simply, as this is a ceremony aimed at helping you to find peace… in a cup of tea.
