The phrase also depicts the essence of life
Author Akemi Sagawa served a bowl of Matcha to the guest: Photo by Brian Chu
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I used to hold a tea ceremony demonstration twice a year at Fran’s Chocolates, a Seattle-based chocolatier.
With a tall ceiling, the venue has such a serene atmosphere. For four days, the venue turned into a space to experience “Senses from Japan.” Those lucky two people who happened to sit in the front row got to enjoy a delicious white chocolate truffle and a bowl of Matcha green tea, served by the host.
When I was making tea as a host, my focus was only one thing: to serve the best tea to the guests, so that they could enjoy the moment to the full. I didn’t know the people who were sitting in front of me. Most likely this was the only time I encountered those people, let alone serve tea to them.
In the tea ceremony, the phrase “ichi-go ichi-e 一期一会” is often used. It means “One time, one meeting.” Each tea gathering is an opportunity for a unique experience that will never occur again. Forget about the past. Forget about the future. Just enjoy the present moment…
But wait! Which moment in time will you be able to repeat? Which moment in your life is not unique? The moment you are reading this article can never be repeated!
Ichi-go Ichi-e is not limited to the tea ceremony. The phrase depicts the essence of our very life. A bowl of tea reminds you of this simple fact of life, that this moment will never come back.