The Way of Tea, or Chado, is a way to calm the mind, soothe the spirit, and share a special time away from the concerns of everyday life. Served with a respectful heart and received with gratitude, a bowl of Tea satisfies physical and spiritual thirst. While deeply rooted in Japanese culture and Zen philosophy, its spirit is universal, and offers a tranquil approach to life that is best experienced directly, by quietly drinking a bowl of tea.
Chado New Mexico, established in 2004, is a communities-based nonprofit that represents the Urasenke Tradition of tea in New Mexico. It is one of almost 100 Urasenke associations around the world, and has over 75 members spread throughout the American Southwest.
The Association offers presentations for community groups and educational institutions, as well as classes and seasonal tea gatherings throughout the year for its members. The Association's Urasenke-certified instructors teach students of all ages and backgrounds in the fundamentals and spirit of Chado.
The Urasenke tradition of Chado is a lineage dating back over 400 years. With its focus on harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility (wa, kei, sei, jaku in Japanese) it brings together people from many walks of life in the spirit of peace.
Officers of Chado New Mexico:
President: Dr. Jorge Aigla, faculty emeritus, St. John’s College
Vice President: Davis Begay, Honorary Consul General of Japan in Albuquerque
Chief Administrator: Kevin L Padilla
Vice-Chief of Administration: Kathy Soshu Lyons English language
Secretary: Linda Bonnefoy-Lev
Japanese language Secretary: Shizuko Kobayashi
Treasurer: Mary DeMeo
Advisors: Christy Soei Bartlett Glenn Sorei Pereira Austin Soei Babcock Sakina Sona von Briesen Hans von Briesen
“The spirit of Tea is the search to do good and not to do evil. It is a greeting that reaches out and seeks the good in others. It is the wisdom that comes from applying knowledge each moment in response to circumstance. It is the host inviting a guest to share peace in a bowl of tea.”
- Sen Genshitsu Daisosho, XV generation Grand Master, Urasenke tradition of Chado (B. 1923)