Weblog Entry - 12/23/2002: "A work by Melissa Huff: Chado

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12/23/2002 "A work by Melissa Huff: Chado - The Way of Tea"

http://portalmarket.com/ceremony.html
Harmony
between ourselves and nature
between all the different aspects
of our surroundings
between nature's seasons and our
man-made environment
between us and other people
Harmony never means that everything becomes alike.
The point is to achieve a balanced relationship, not
between things which are identical, but between
things which are complementary.
... Harmony with contrast,
as in the black ink of
the words and the
space of the
white paper.
Harmony weaves everything together
into an intricate,
yet oh-so-simple web.
Respect
for the moment
for each person
for time
for ourselves
for the objects we use
for nature
Respect could
be defined as
the act of giving
particular attention
to the recipient.
In showing respect, we demonstrate
our understanding of the
interconnectedness of all things.
And having shown respect, we
understand even better
why it is valued.
Purity
of mind
(like the clear stream)
of purpose
(has everything unnecessary been swept away?)
of action
(at any one moment, we should be completely
focused on the action of that moment)
of vision
(do I see my goal clearly?...)
To be pure is to contain nothing
that does not properly belong;
so that we are not weighed down
or distracted by that which
contributes nothing to the good
of the whole.
Tranquility
the state of being free from agitation of mind
and spirit.
If we are in harmony with
our surroundings and if we
respect the moment and what
it brings us, then we can
achieve purity of mind, purpose
and action, and thus carry
with us a state of tranquility.
Tranquility
through the practice of
Harmony
Respect and
Purity
is ours to choose,
and ours to create
within ourselves.