by William Clark

Created on: January 19, 2007   Last Updated: March 14, 2010

We can see some differences between Western and Eastern traditions by comparing the Zen tea ceremony with the Western wine tasting ceremony. Both take a simple concept, having a drink, and ritualize it. Through ritual basic concepts central to each society become attached to the tradition. By looking at these rituals we can understand more about the societies in which they exist.

The Japanese tea ceremony, or chado, is a Zen tradition. Tea came to Japan via China, but the Japanese tradition has become very distinct from the Chinese. The ceremony of chado involves ritually drinking tea. Each action is gone about with a simple sort of clearheadedness and with care to detail. The enjoyment is derived from the uniqueness of everything and the appreciation of all of the actions involved in drinking the tea.

What this means in practice is that all instruments are appreciated. The utensils used to make the tea are presented to the person drinking the tea. The cups are not overly elaborate or decorative. Each cup is enjoyed merely for its own existence. The cup is experienced by the senses directly and is not merely conceptualized. The feel of the cup-its smoothness, its weight-everything about it is appreciated. The tea itself is first prepared and then is whisked into a drink. The drink is then enjoyed through its smell, its feel in the mouth, its warmth, its weight. Throughout the whole thing few words may be used. They are not important to the process. At the end, the dishes are washed and put back away. The ritual has come to an end.

A wine ceremony is a much different animal. A bottle of wine is chosen based on its type. Tea may be higher or lower quality, but it is still just tea. Wine is white and red, and also Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chianti, or another varietal. We use our words to differentiate all of the types. Within this, the wine comes from a specific winery. It is also from a specific year, or vintage. We now have many levels of discrimination in place. The Japanese prefer to drink each cup of tea and realize its uniqueness through experience. Westerners prefer discrimination and conceptualizing to realize a thing's unique nature.

Wine also may be matched up and paired with food or hors de oeuvres. It is as if the wine is not enough by itself. We must add food on top. Through this pairing we are supposed to somehow have a better sum experience. Tea in the tea ceremony is rarely paired with food. It may or may not be eaten with something, but it is never

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>