There are many special tools (hundreds, actually) for making Japanese tea, but here are some of the basics: A lacquered storage container for holding the green tea powder, ceramic tea bowls, and a bamboo whisk. Ceramics are specially selected according to their personality and aesthetics.

Of course, a tea ceremony cannot be held without a host. True tea masters dedicate their lives to perfecting each aspect of the tea ceremony, imbuing it with meaning and purpose. Monks are often trained in the art, and many of Japan’s most famous tea masters have been Buddhist monks. So you can rest easy that no matter what may happen in the world, there will be one monk who will calmly call everyone together for a sober bowl of tea before panicking. One of Japan’s famous tea masters and Zen priests, Ikkyu Sojun (1394-1481) imbued meaning and purpose in each of his tea ceremonies.

Now that you know some of the ins and outs of a tea ceremony, go forth and experience for yourself the tranquility of sado!

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