活かす(ikasu): To liveWe have been back and forth between online and in person lessons recently, with online seen as an unfortunate necessity. But, if we think in terms of “ikasu,” online is another, new way to enliven the way of tea. While being in-person is certainly the way tea was intended to be experienced, being online gives us new opportunities to explore our own adaptability and creativity, to find unique ways to implement the rules of Rikyu, and to reach larger audiences. In many ways, I feel that by pushing us into uncomfortable territory, online tea has forced us to seek ways to bring new life to our practice and in turn enlivens the way of tea.
-- Lindsey I am imediately reminded by what my friend said when I asked them how they felt. They said it feels like time goes by fast, and I can vividly recall that feeling. I feel like many people feel the same way about quarantine and lockdown as one big blur in time. Lasting so long in the moment but passing by in a blink went looked back at. Thinking about that, the longest parts of my life are the ones where I can remember the most. A lot of people wish to live longer, but without making good memories it'll feel like life moves very fast. So, as I gather it, if one wants to live a long and fulfilled life, the best way to do so is ikasu. Make every moment count. -- Issac I think this is a very good scroll for this past new year. Sometimes, even when another year goes by, it's hard to change with it. Especially when everything feels the same, such as times like these that feel like they will never end. During those instances I think it's important to acknowledge that another year has gone by, and take the time to renew yourself by taking a mental inventory of your accomplishments during the past year and your goals for the future. -- Isabel Ikasu means to live or to come alive. It's such a big and heavy statement but perhaps in our daily life, we may forget "to live" or "to come alive" most of the time. Ikasu to me means more about being mindful about what is happening around us and inside us. When our life goes smoothly, it is important to stay ikasu so that we truly enjoy those happy moments and are nourished by those happy moments. During our hard days, it is also vital to stay ikasu as "to live" and "to come alive" entail so much power and energy from the bottom of our heart and remind us to stay alive and positive, fight against those obstacles, and get through those dark days. So, stay ikasu and embrace life as it is! -- Yang |
AuthorTea students in the Urasenke Urbana-Champaign association Archives
January 2024
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