15/05/2026
"It is known that, when we learn or train in something, we pass through the stages of SHU 守 HA破 RI 離. In SHU 守, we protect the tradition by repeating the forms and discipline ourselves so that our bodies absorb the forms that our forebears created. We remain faithful to these forms with no deviation…”
The discipline of Mastery was an essential part of the Tea Ceremony, as well as the refined master and student relationship. Sen no Ri kyu, the Tea Master of the 16th century, the father of Wabi Sabi aesthetics said,
守り尽くして
破るとも離るるとても
本を忘るな。
Dedicate to protect, break or detach, but never forget its essence.
Sen No Rikyu's teaching later evolved as SHU 守 HA破 RI 離 and established as a concept for Martial Arts.