Linda Mosley’s Chado Training

In 1968, I was deciding whether to “major” in ceramics, jewelry-making or fiber arts at the University of Illinois. I was drawn to Japanese pottery that was in tune with the nature of clay, and took a course in Japanese Arts by Shozo Sato.

Sato explained that many highly valued handmade objects are used in chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony). And he demonstrated that the act of making tea is a thoughtfully choreographed series of movements in space that could have a profound aesthetic and meditative effect on the participants. Although the procedures for making tea are very specific, the host chooses a unique combination of utensils to create a new experience each time, called ichigo ichi-e. I realized that applying the economy and elegance of movement of chanoyu would improve my pottery making, but graduated before Sato began giving chanoyu lessons.

At last, in 1983-84, while living temporarily in Chicago, I had the opportunity to study with Mrs. Minnie Kubose, tea name Somi (Urasenke School). Back in St. Louis, where there was no sensei, I continued to practice by presenting chanoyu occasionally for my college pottery students and colleagues. In 2008, when we moved to Austin, Texas, I was fortunate to begin study with Dr. Sheila Fling, tea name Soshin. Dr. Fling has recommended me for nine official licenses to study many procedures. In 2016, Dr. Fling recommended me for the Okuden, Advanced Level, and Hikitsugi, the fourth degree Instructor certificate. In 2018, Dr. Fling recommended me for the Betsudin level and Sei-hikitsugi, third degree Instructor certificate. Upon completing the requirements in March, 2019, I began teaching in Austin, with the mentorship of Dr. Fling.

Summary

1968 - Undergraduate courses: “Introduction to Japanese Arts” by Shozo Sato, and Asian Art History, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

1969 - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ceramics Major, awarded “Craftsman of the Year”.

1975 - Master of Fine Arts, Ceramics

1983-84 - Urasenke Chanoyu study with Mrs. Minnie Kubose, tea name Somi, Chicago, Illinois.

2008-present - Urasenke Chanoyu study with Dr. Sheila Fling, tea name Soshin, Austin area, Texas; completed Betsudin, Koushi, Sei-hikistugi level (3rd Degree Instructor) training in March, 2019; received the chamei (tea name) Sōri 宗利, and rank of Sennin koushi, 2nd degree instructor, from Urasenke Chado Tankokai Foundation, Kyoto, Japan in 2024. Member of the Chado Urasenke Tankokai, Dallas-Fort Worth Association.

2011 - Chado Seminar with Kazuo Machida Soho Gyotei, at the Chado Urasenke Tankokai, Dallas-Fort Worth Association.

2018 - Chado Seminar with Kazuo Machida Soho, Gyotei, at the Chado Urasenke Tankokai, Houston Association.

2019 - Began giving chanoyu lessons in her home tea room in March.