Sen no Rikyū (tea master)

Sen no Rikyū was a renowned Japanese tea master from the 16th century, considered the founder of the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu). He emphasized simplicity, humility, and natural beauty in the practice, shaping its aesthetic and philosophical principles. Rikyū promoted a meditative atmosphere centered on mindfulness and restraint, influencing Japanese culture profoundly. His approach transformed tea preparation into an art form that highlights subtlety and understated elegance, reflecting Zen principles. Rikyū’s legacy endures in the traditional tea ceremony, symbolizing harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.