You probably cannot find much written about the differences between the two schools because once you start on the path it is difficult to change and then compare the two.  I have studied Urasenke for more than 25 years but have been to Omotesenke chakai so I cannot tell you much about the differences between the two.  Mostly, I think they are stylistic differences like you just mentioned.  The philosophy, history and aesthetics are very similar, as of course they both have descended from the Sen Family line.

I think the important thing is not to choose the school based on the differences, but to find a teacher who you respect and feel comfortable studying with for a long long time.  If you have a teacher you like, it will not matter how many certificates you have, nor the number of temae positions you learn. If you wish to reach teacher status in a 7-10 years you will work very hard indeed, no matter which school you choose.

As for the rumor of Urasenke showing off expensive utensils, I think that is not true. The Urasenke tradition is wabi cha.  We are taught that the sincerity of your heart is more important than utensils.

Please ask more questions if you think of any and I will try to answer.

sweetpersimmon

I was there about 12 years ago. At that time you had to be referred by your sensei, and then go through an application process that took about a year.  The application process includes a personal essay, 3 community recommendations, visa application and other requirements.   You had to provide your own airfare and transportation from the Osaka or Nagoya, as Kyoto has no international airport.

When I was there the program was in the process of changing from a 3 year program to a 1 year program.  The three year program provided room and board and you had to pay for other living expenses.  The one year program provided room and board, plus a modest stipend.  I understand the program continues to change.  Ask your sensei to write to Urasenke in Kyoto to find out the current requirements.

sweetpersimmon

P.S. Chabako, Urasenke doesn't usually use patterned fukusa either. You can carry them or give them as gifts, however. 

If you are in California, the Hakone Daichakai will be October 19th.
So far they will have Yabunouchi, Matsuoryu, Mushanokojisenke , Urasenke and Omotesenke schools hosting chakai at different seki. It would be educational to see the different styles of tea.

Last edited by sweetpersimmon (2008-08-06 10:14:29)

Hi!

sweetpersimmon wrote:

I was there about 12 years ago. At that time you had to be referred by your sensei, and then go through an application process that took about a year.  The application process includes a personal essay, 3 community recommendations, visa application and other requirements.   You had to provide your own airfare and transportation from the Osaka or Nagoya, as Kyoto has no international airport.

I have at various times dreamed of attending the tea school, but have grown old and there is no tea community within 5 hours of here in Syracuse, NY.

One consideration might be the relative difficulty of finding Omotesenke teachers outside Japan.  In large US cities you may have less trouble, but in general Urasenke has spread more.

The differences between the schools are quite small really.  Besides some of the other things mentioned above, some other differences include the way you rise from a seiza position; which foot is used to enter and leave the tea room; and how the fukusa is handled and folded. 

All other things being equal (foremost being access to a teacher), I don't think it particularly matters which style you choose to study, since the basic purpose of tea is the same, and only the small details differ (and even then, often they don't differ very much).