OPEN CIRCLE
Open Circle is inspired by
two seemingly incongruent practices: the Japanese Tea Ceremony and the
Coffeehouses of the 1960s era. Although culturally about as different
as one can imagine, both cultivate the spirit of sharing in the moment.
Japanese Tea Ceremony is celebrated by the saying Ichi go ichi ie which
means (roughly) one moment, one meeting. Very meaningful when one thinks
of the samurai who would frequent tea houses without knowing if they
would return for another cup of tea. This saying conveys the Zen sentiment
of mindfulness of the moment, which was very current in the 1960s coffee
houses through beat poets who were influenced by Japanese Zen practice.
Unlike the formal Japanese Tea Ceremony coffeehouses were known as places
to have deep conversations amid presentations of poetry or music.
Inspired by these practices, open circle attempts to bring people together
for an evening of good conversation in the relaxing atmosphere of Mutsu
An Teahouse and Garden. Beginning with a Japanese Tea Ceremony, we quickly
found other traditions of sharing tea that were interesting to experience.
Open Circle named for the idea of creating community is looking forward
to include many customs of tea.
Mutsu An Teahouse and Garden
Deep in the space enjoyed by Aiko Institute is a hidden treasure: Mutsu
An Teahouse and Garden. The Teahouse was built by students of Musubi
Dojo, Mary and John Schildmeyer. John’s mother, Mutsu, was Japanese
and the teahouse is dedicated to her. Mutsu An Teahouse presents an
atmosphere of beauty and resonance with nature that creates an almost
immediate sence of serenity and relaxation.
To participate in Open Circle one first must find Mutsu An Teahouse.
Go to the back of Musubi Dojo and Aiko Institute on a scheduled evening,
and you’ll be guided by Mutsu An’s rustic sign.
Directions: From the corner of Foothill and Claremont Blvds, turn north
(towards the mountains) on Claremont Blvd. Take the third possible right
hand turn (the gas station is the first, Andrew Dr. the second) which
is marked by a sign with red letters, “B”, “H”,
“K”. Turn right immediately upon entering the industrial
park and then take the first left into the parking area in between the
buildings. Look for Mutsu An sign on your left hand side about half
way down the parking lot. Park, enter ….and enjoy!
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