Medicine Stone | Geoffrey Wilson

Medicine Stone June 3, 2008

Posted by Geoffrey Wilson in : Meditations, Philosophy, Quote of the Week, Wisdom Notes , trackback

‘When food is served at a tea ceremony it is called Kaiseki,’ Zhou explains.

‘In between the morning and evening ceremonies, there is ‘yakuseki’.

This loosely translates as a stone in the breast or medicine stone. In ancient times, practicing monks would press heated stones to their bosom in order to suppress hunger. The point of the exercise is to relieve pain and then reduce cuisine to its utmost simplicity and in so doing cultivate the art of selection and preparation.

‘I’m sure you will excel given your sensitivity and heightened awareness!’

At the tea ceremony, heated stones are passed out to each of the monks and they tuck them in the pockets of their kimonos to keep hunger at bay.

A disciple asks Zhou,

‘Just what are the most important things that must be understood and kept in mind for a tea ceremony?’

Zhou says,

‘Firstly, be sure to make a delicious bowl of tea. Then lay the charcoal so that it heats the water. Arrange the flowers as they are in the field. In summer, suggest coolness. In winter, suggest warmth. Do everything ahead of time. Be prepared for rain. And give those with whom you find yourself every consideration.’

The disciple is dissatisfied with this answer.

He says,

‘But that much I already know!’

Zhou replies,

‘Then if you can host a tea ceremony without deviating at all from any of the rules I have just outlined, I will become your disciple!’