Elevated Rituals

I have been reflecting recently on the life of the Japanese philosopher Sen no Rikyū. He did not write lengthy arcane texts to convey his ideas. He decided that living them out was far more impactful, and so developed a tea ceremony which revolved around the ideas of Kei – the fruit of sitting in a confined space with other and being able to converse free of artifice and Jaku – a sense of tranquil peace which allows a superlative potential for growth.

What was the point? To recognise that the simple, everyday rituals of life can be elevated, meaningful and richly demonstrate those things we value most.

What do I value? This place, these people.  So, I decided last week to bake, and thus manifest my values in cake. I invited School House Year 12 to supper.  Now, I am not a fan of austerity in the same way as Rikyū, so we did have ‘high tea’ with fine china and silver plates and pinkies lifted, but the intention was there.  I sat in a circle of people I have watched grow into men and was filled with a quiet joy.  Their gentleness, humour and camaraderie despite their differences filled me with Kei and Jaku.

Dear Ewan, Alec, Hunter, Ashton, Alex, Braydon and Daniel (and Ben in your absence) – thank you for being people that elevate the mundane into something extraordinary.  Thank you for being people I will grieve when you leave.  I hope you will continue to live out what you value, and share it with others.

I will bake and drink tea in your honour.

Ms Rachel Pickering
Assistant Housemaster – School House