In an essay of three to four pages in length discuss the aesthetics important to tea as presented in one or more of the original texts that you have read so far in the course. These include Yoshida Kenkō’s Essays in Idleness (Tsurezuregusa), Jukō’s “Letter on Heart’s Mastery” and “In Response to Questions,” the “Ten Points of Attention for the Practitioner of Tea” and “Further Points of Attention,” as well as Jōō’s “Letter on Wabi” and “Admonitions for His Disciples.” You may also make reference to any of the other original sources in Hirota’s own discussion of the history of tea in Wind in the Pines.
Your essay should not be just descriptive but should present a thesis and include analysis. You are welcome to draw on other readings as well but it is essential that you engage original texts.
Due March 7