The Way of Tea originated in Song Dynasty China (960-1279). Transmitted to Japan with Zen Buddhism in the 12th century, it flourishes today throughout the world as meditative and artistic practice.
Chadô (茶道), the Way of Tea, is based upon the simple act of boiling water, making tea, offering it to others and drinking of it ourselves. Served with a respectful heart and received with gratitude, a bowl of tea satisfies both physical and spiritual thirst.
- Sen Genshitsu (Sôshitsu XV)
Chadô Urasenke (茶道裏千家)
Since the transmission of tea and tea culture from China in the 9th century, tea masters in Japan have continuously developed the Japanese tea form, Chadô. The Urasenke tradition of Tea belongs to the Sen lineage. Known as one of the most international of the Tea traditions, Urasenke continues to devlop and innovate.
Chadô Urasenke Tankôkai (茶道裏千家淡交会)
Established in 1940 by bringing together the Urasenke Chadô groups and organizations in Japan under the direct control of the Grand Master (Oiemoto). In 1953 it received authorization as an incorporated association from the Ministry of Education (now the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology) and is currently a general incorporated association. As of 2018 there were 165 branches and 2 branch offices in Japan. Internationally, there are 111 Tankôkai organizations established throughout 378 countries.
In Australia, the Chado Urasenke Tankôkai Melbourne Association celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2021. We share a warm affiliation with the Brisbane Liaison Office for Urasenke in Australia and the Chado Urasenke Tankôkai Sydney Association.
The Japanese practice of drinking tea
Everyday Food | ABC Australia
Featuring Ritsuko Greenwood, tea teacher and Executive Administrator of Chadô Urasenke Tankôkai Melbourne Association. Ritsuko has her own tea hut where she teaches chadō, the Japanese word for 'way of tea'. Rather than a tea ceremony, Ritsuko says it's more like a Zen philosophy. | ABC Everyday