Hi, this is Coco from TsuTsu UraUra.
"Wa Kei Sei Jaku" (和敬清寂).
Ever heard of it? It’s the four guiding principles of the Japanese tea ceremony. I know, that might sound a little formal or complex. But the wisdom in these centuries-old words is deeply woven into Japanese culture.
Today, let's explore these four ancient ideas and see how we can use them as simple hints to make our everyday moments better.
1. "Wa" (和): Harmony & Acceptance
"Wa" means "Harmony."
In the tea ceremony, it’s about the host and guests opening their hearts and respecting each other to create a harmonious space.
This also applies to how we accept the world around us. For example, when you see an opinion on work chat or social media that you disagree with, instead of that instant "But..." feeling, you can pause. You can just let it be: "That's one way of seeing it."
Or, when it unexpectedly rains on a day you had plans, instead of "This is the worst," you can just listen to the sound of the rain and think, "Okay, today is a quiet day."
It’s the feeling of finding "harmony" with the things you can't control.
2. "Kei" (敬): Respect & Gratitude
"Kei" means "Respect."
In the tea ceremony, it’s not just the mutual respect between people. It’s also a deep respect for the tea tools, the craftsmanship, and even the time itself.
In the same way, we can find moments to show gratitude for the things we take for granted. For example, when you get home, try placing your shoes neatly, with an "thanks for carrying me today" feeling. Or, when you sit down to eat, pause to say "itadakimasu" (I gratefully receive) and truly mean it, thinking of the journey that food took to get to you.
3. "Sei" (清): Purity & Clarity
"Sei" means "Purity."
In the tea ceremony, this means both physical cleanliness—a clean room, purified tools—and mental cleanliness, a heart free from clutter and distraction.
This feeling connects directly to "organizing" our own lives. For instance, when you wake up, just opening a window to let in fresh air is a simple act of "purifying" your space and your mind. Or, when your brain feels full, try a 10-minute "digital detox" before bed. Creating "white space" for your mind is just as important as cleaning your room.
4. "Jaku" (寂): Tranquility & Inner Richness
"Jaku" does not mean "lonely."
In the tea ceremony, it refers to a state of inner richness and calm that doesn't depend on outside "flashiness." It's a quiet, unshakeable peace.
This can be thought of as "subtracting" rather than "adding." Instead of pulling out your phone while waiting for the train, just... don't. Look at the color of the sky. Feel the wind. Or, when you're in the bath, put the phone and all your "to-do" lists aside and just feel the warmth of the water. That, right there, is the kind of luxury "Jaku" is talking about.
"Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku." These four principles aren't separate; they all flow into one another.
As you can see, hints of this wisdom are hidden in every moment of your day, not just in tea time. Just have fun noticing, "Oh, maybe that was a 'Kei' moment?"
Those little sparks of awareness might light up your days.