September 13, 2002 Lecture by Dr. SEN at Pepperdine University

The initial event on the Convention program was a special lecture presented by Dr. SEN Soshitsu XV at Pepperdine University. Once he arrived at the Malibu campus, he first exchanged greetings with President Andrew K. BENTON and Chancellor Charles B. RUNNELS. His lecture was held in Smothers Theater, where there was an audience of more than 500, while 110 more watched on a screen set in another auditorium. In the lecture, entitled "The Way of Tea," he explained about the similarities between the aspirations of Chado toward a peaceful world and the Christian attitude of praying. He also talked about the Christian education he received as a student at Doshisha University, his encounter with Pope Paul II, and the ceremonial tea offering he conducted at the San Anselmo Monastery.       During his visit at Pepperdine, Dr. SEN had a bowl of tea in the tearoom of the University, which has the name Zuiun-an, and watched a demonstration performed by the students of the Chado course after his lecture.

Dr. SEN delivers lecture at Pepperdine University.	Dr. SEN talks to the students of the chado course at Pepperdine University.

North America Convention Commemorative Ceremony

In the afternoon of the first day of the Convention, all the Convention registrants participated in a grand Commemorative Ceremony held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, under the auspices of Grand Master SEN Soshitsu XV and in the presence of many honorary guests, including Consul-General KONO Masaharu of the Japanese Consulate in Los Angeles, and California State Council Representative George NAKANO.       After a moment of silent prayer for SEN Rikyu, the past generations of grand masters, the deceased followers of Urasenke, and the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Grand Master addressed the audience, recollecting memories of his first visit to L.A., when he was profoundly impressed by the goodwill the Americans showed him even in those difficult days right after the war.       During the ceremony, a number of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of chado in North America were presented with certificates of commendation. Then, President Hisao HIRO of the Chado Urasenke Tankokai San Francisco Association read out the Convention Declaration, and the ceremony concluded with the Tankokai Song sung by all participants. In the evening, a Welcome Banquet was hosted by the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Los Angeles Association at the same hotel.

Dr. SEN greets the participants at the North America Convention Commemorative Ceremony.		Outstanding contributors to the spreading of chado in North America are presented with certificates of commendation at the Commemorative Ceremony.