THE JOURNEY TO THE FAR EAST: TEA CEREMONY AS A PHENOMENON OF JAPANESE CULTURE

Abstract

The aim of the study. This paper aims at exploring the Japanese tea ceremony as a phenomenon of Japanese culture. Methodology of the study. The authors have used integrative anthropological approach, multidisciplinary analysis, comparative, cultural-historical, and descriptive methods. Practical methods of research, including personal participation in the tea ceremony of the Urasenke Tradition of cha no yu, were used. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the exploration of the Japanese tea ceremony as a component of Japanese culture, as well as in the analysis of its philosophical and aesthetic aspects. Nurturing simplicity and naturalness and being an institutionalized form of spiritual activity, cha no yu opens a window into the spiritual realm of our being and brings true peace into our souls. Conclusions. Tea is philosophy, which is a part of the Japanese spirit. Due to the Way of Tea, the meditative component and element of joyful rest came into life. The Way of Tea teaches people to be sincere and responsive. Thus, it is more than just a ceremony – it is the way of life.