Grand Master SEN Soshitsu XV as Chado Ambassador in Gimhae, Korea

By invitation of Gimhae Mayor SONG Eun Bok, Grand Master SEN Soshitsu XV was in Gimhae, Korea, from April 2-5, 2002. Gimhae is rich in history, having been the center of the ancient Gaya Empire which had close links to India. Grand Master Sen's visit was part of a city campaign to develop the historical tea of the region, said to have been introduced from India.    The morning of April 3, he presented a ritual tea offering at the historical Eunhasa Temple. The ceremony was attended by more than 150 people, most of whom were viewing such a Japanese ritual tea offering for the first time.    On April 4, he presented a special lecture and chanoyu demonstration at Inje University, which is a university specializing in the medical sciences. In addition to President LEE Yoon Gu of the University, and also Mayor Song, the audience of approximately 400 consisted of the university's teaching staff and students, as well as the public. In his lecture, he touched upon a wide range of subjects, including the medicinal benefits of tea, the spiritual ideals of Japanese chado, and the differences between Japanese and Korean culture.    As a gesture of appreciation to all those who worked hard to enable his visit, Grand Master Sen hosted a banquet that night at the Pusan Hotel Lotte. The guest list included more than 200 people. Among them were the officers and members of the Urasenke Tankokai Pusan Association.    The Grand Master also found time to visit the Gimhae National Museum, go see the tea-growing region, and meet with local citizens.    In view of the fact that Japan and Korea would soon be co-hosting the World Cup Soccer Games, his visit to Korea on this occasion as an ambassador of the Japanese traditional culture of chado was particularly significant.

Eunhasa Temple	Grand Master Sen conducts ritual tea offering

Grand Master Sen delivers lecture at Inje University	Grand Master Sen provides explanations   for the chanoyu demonstration