'Chanoyu' is perhaps the ultimate expression of the Japanese spirit. Simplicity, calm action, compassion & hospitality, concentration and the appreciation of nature -- all of these are expressed through the centuries-old ritual of preparing a bowl of whisked green tea for honored guests. To study Chanoyu is to know the sound of the water bubbling in the iron kettle (said to mirror the sound of wind in pine trees), the sharp and invigorating taste of the tea, the beauty of a tresured bamboo ladle, a single blossom arranged to suit the season, or a rough ceramic cup, and the silent joy of sharing with others. Samurai are known to have turned to practice of the tea ceremony as a refuge from the cares and stresses of a combative life. Today, this art offers the same peace and spiritual strength to its students.

Chanoyu was developed through a process in which cultural formal rituals were combined with the enjoyment of tasting Maccha.
In Chanoyu, a comprehensive blend of the following features are all used;
* A living space - including a tea room and a garden
* Arts and crafts - to select and appreciate the utensils
* Food - appetizers and sweets served in every tea ceremony
* The tea-making etiquette - to give the guests a warm welcome

Furthermore, Chanoyu was deeply related to Zen which produced the spiritual culture "Wabi Sabi". In Chanoyu, we value the spirit of "Wabi Sabi", and we keep ourselves in a calm frame of mind by making tea in a quiet space "Chashitsu". In this process, review ourselves and enhance our spirits.

Also, in Chanoyu, we have a concept of "Ichigo Ichie" which means "Tresure every meeting, for it will never recur". We are supposed to make tea following this concept.

Maccha: Green tea powder / green tea for Chanoyu
Zen: A type of Buddhism introduced from China. Famous for Zen meditation.
Wabi Sabi: Admitting your loneliness and behaving humble
Chashitsu: Tea room

The founder of the current form of Chanoyu: Sen-no-Rikyu taught the understanding of Chanoyu in Shiki Shichisoku.
Shiki is Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku that are harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.

Shichisoku is as follows:
1. Make a satisfying bowl of tea.
2. Lay the charcoal so that the water boils efficiently.
3. Provide a sense of warmth in winter and coolness in summer.
4. Arrange the flowers as those they were in the field.
5. Be ready ahead of time.
6. Be prepared in case it should rain.
7. Act with utmost consideration towards your guests.

These are the manners how to treat the other people, indicating “with all your heart, grasp the essence, value the sense of the seasons, respect life, feel free of pressure, be gentle-hearted, and respect each other”.

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