Autumn Reflections — Spirit of “Wa, 和”
Central Park glows in gold — a beautiful time in New York, just before the cold winter arrives. It’s also the peak of autumn foliage in upstate New York and Connecticut, when the landscape shimmers with quiet brilliance.
In Japan, around this time, from the end of October to early November, the season holds deep meaning in the world of tea. It is the time of “ro-biraki (炉開き)” — the opening of the winter hearth — regarded as ‘New Year’s Day for tea practitioners,’ marking renewal and gratitude for the year ahead.
This year, instead of the usual celebration, a memorial tea gathering was held in honor of Grand Master Hounsai Sōshō, who passed away on August 14 at the age of 102. The ceremony took place on a clear autumn day when the crimson and golden leaves stood out vividly against the blue sky.
The wagashi served that day were shaped like ginkgo leaves — bright yellow, delicate, and almost too beautiful to eat. Ginkgo trees are known for their vitality; they can survive even in harsh conditions and have long symbolized longevity, strength, and prosperity. They reminded me of him — steadfast, graceful, and full of life.
At home, I savored the wagashi shaped like a ginkgo leaf — a quiet moment of remembrance for Grand Master Hounsai.
I was fortunate to enjoy this wagashi three times — once during the tea gathering, once behind the scenes while helping, and once again at home, savoring the extra piece I had brought back. Each time, I thought of him.
As I have shared before, Grand Master Hounsai devoted his life to spreading a message through tea — “Peacefulness from a bowl of tea.” When I revisited one of his interviews, I noticed something profound. He said he preferred not to use the word “peace.”
“People use the word because the world is not yet at peace,” he said. “Instead, I use the Japanese word “wa (和）” — harmony — living with respect and consideration for others.”
Now, as the world faces uncertainty and the Earth continues to suffer, I’m reminded once again of the importance of this spirit of “wa (和の精神)” — to live in harmony with one another and with nature itself. It’s easy to forget that the Earth is alive — and therefore, not eternal. I hope it remains long-lasting, prosperous, and beautiful.
I’ve never seen the Earth from space, but I’ve heard astronauts describe that moment.
First, they say, ‘I saw my city.’ Then, ‘I saw my country.’ And finally, they all say, ‘I saw our Earth — and it was truly beautiful.’
If we embrace the spirit of wa, I believe happiness and peace will follow — not only within ourselves, but across our shared planet. And perhaps it all begins with something small:
sharing a heartfelt bowl of tea, and living in rhythm with the Earth.
Gingko trees in Kent, Connecticut- the day after the memorial tea gathering.
I will continue to share with you “Peacefulness from a Bowl of Tea.” If you have time, please join my final public matcha workshop, “Matcha Time for Mindfulness II” for the year!
