Stillness & Movement & Kyoto

When travelling on a limited schedule and trying to see as much of Kyoto as possible, it’s hard to convince yourself to stop. Luckily, there is a “quieter” and less-active activity, the Enjoyment of Tea, born of and available in Kyoto. This activity will give you a chance to catch your breath and is a valuable means to deeper understanding of the Japanese mindset.

Today, let's think quieter, via the concept of “Stillness and Movement.”

A phrase born of the traditional Japanese arts, 静と動 (sei to dō), or “stillness & movement,” is a popular phrase in the Japanese Tea world. Now, there isn’t a portion of the tea experience that involves running laps or dancing. This is speaking more to the setting and flow of the tea presentation, and referring to the ever-important understanding of balance. The Yin-Yang concept, essential to Taoism, is infused into all the Japanese arts.

Balance. It is important in the choice of implements, some unique and customized to the moment in order to draw interest, and some to simply be there and perform their standard roles without fanfare. Sounds and silence, quick movements and near statue-like pauses. From the scale of the very small, this seeking of balance now extends to theater, music, poetry, the visual arts, and ultimately, life. What really gets interesting is how each is a sort of mirror image of the other, and that’s why, in the midst of your travels, I do recommend a tea experience early on, where the overall experience is quiet and relaxing, but at the same time quite stimulating. Within the quiet and semi-darkness of a tea space, our senses start working overtime to soak up all available information. Sounds, scents, tastes, and so on become much clearer and apparent. Oddly, the still space puts you into a very focused state, and information we miss from being so busy and distracted in our travels become apparent, nearly overwhelming. There is, interestingly, alot “moving” in the “stillness.” The confection is an artwork to be admired; a reminder of the season happening before us. The carefully balanced ingredients and unique textures are pleasing and delicious. When the bowl of tea is served, the deep greens are vibrant, the aroma welcoming. The lead up to this moment brings a new depth to beverage consumption. So much movement in the stillness!

And interestingly, the experience puts you in a state where, upon your return to the bustle of the outside world, the noise is less noisy. Now, you can take a step back from the rushed feeling as you move about the city… an inner stillness as you move about… This just happens to be a state sought for in the Zen world, as illustrated in the phrase 忙中閑 (Bō-chū-kan), “in the midst of busyness, quietude.”

Tea Ceremony is one of many “paths” of self-cultivation in Japan. It is not practiced by everyone, nor should it be. However, I believe that there is something for everyone in the hour or two that you give it, and it just may move you despite its quiet demeanor. 

Written by Mike Hardy

Photos by Pierre Verney