An ideal introduction for students new to Japanese philosophy and aesthetics Phenomenology of
Tea invites readers into a dialogue throughout the fascinating aesthetic worlds of the Japanese
tea ceremony delving into its rich history its philosophical influences and religious
backgrounds all synthesized into a ritual which brings Japanese culture to one of its highest
expressions. Tea guests begin their tour by discussing the deep intercultural challenges with
foreign intellectual and artistic traditions considering phenomenology and Kyoto School
philosophy as means for bridging Eastern and Western worlds. Throughout the journey the
astonishing elements of the ceremony provoke discussion on the aesthetics of landscape
gardening of stone vegetation and water and their philosophical significance in Buddhism
Daoism and Shintoism. Once inside the hut the profound beauty of tea is revealed through
traditional aesthetic practices of calligraphy poetry architecture flower arranging and
pottery. As the plenitude of philosophic and aesthetic experience culminates in the first sip
of matcha readers are transported by way of Buddhist ideas into the world of Japanese cinema
where all ideas about the ceremony dissolve into emptiness. Featuring a conversational style
discussion questions further readings and meticulous illustrations this book also provides a
phenomenological reading of the tea ceremony and offers new avenues for research and teaching
in the field.
