Tea followers were among the earliest converts to the Christian faith. Takayama Ukon, a daimyo turned ardent evangelist, was a disciple of Sen no Rikyu, the preeminent tea master of all time. After Christianity had been banned - Takayama was exiled to the Philippines - underground Christians cherished the tea ceremony as the only opportunity to assemble without arousing suspicion on the part of the authorities. It proved to be a fitting substitute for Holy Communion; even in its Zen context the rite symbolized the giving of oneself. For Christians liable to detection and torture because of their outlawed faith, it was a solemn reminder that Christ had willingly given his life for them. Some of the cups were boldly inscribed with a cross. So it is little wonder that some Japanese Christians have envisioned their Lord in the graceful robe of a Zen tea master. .F. Calvin Parker
About This Quote
The phrase “tea followers were among the earliest converts to the Christian faith” is true. The tea ceremony has been practiced by Zen Buddhists since the time of Sen no Rikyu, who was known as the tea master of all time. However, it was not until Christianity became illegal in Japan that tea was used as a way to gather without arousing suspicion. The power of the tea ceremony is that it symbolizes the act of giving oneself to another person.
The act can be difficult but it can also be rewarding. The act can bring you closer to God which is something that every person should strive for. Also, this quote shows how important religion is in Japanese culture.
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- Tea followers were among the earliest converts to the Christian faith. Takayama Ukon, a daimyo turned ardent evangelist, was a disciple of Sen no Rikyu, the preeminent tea master of all time. After Christianity had been banned - Takayama was exiled to the Philippines -...