“Perfection is the elimination of all flaws. However, the best state is one where the essence is refined and all unnecessary elements are removed in accordance with its purpose.”

This philosophy is deeply rooted in Japanese traditional culture. In particular, in the way of tea, it transcends mere formal beauty and represents a way of being.

The “Best” in the Way of Tea

At first glance, the way of tea may appear to be a ritual based on strict procedures and etiquette. However, what exists there is not mere rules, but beauty that resides in ultimate simplicity. For example, the setting of a tea room is extremely minimal. A single hanging scroll, one flower, and a rustic tea bowl—these are all elements that remain after eliminating the unnecessary, embodying the “best” state.

The spirit of “wabi-sabi” as taught by Sen no Rikyū is not about pursuing perfection but rather valuing the beauty found in imperfection. Something perfect resists further growth or change. However, a form that leaves room for emptiness enhances the essence of what is present and stimulates the imagination of the observer.

The “Best” as Seen in Japanese Aesthetics

In Japanese culture, the “best” can be understood as knowing “enough.” Avoiding excessive decoration and finding beauty in stillness. Noh theater, haiku poetry, and karesansui (dry landscape gardens) have also pursued a beauty devoid of excess by eliminating the unnecessary.

For instance, Noh performance minimizes movement, expressing entire scenes with the simplest of gestures. Similarly, haiku encapsulates an entire world within just seventeen syllables. Like the way of tea, these are cultural symbols that continuously question what constitutes the “best.”

Applications in Modern Life

This idea of the “best” can also be applied to modern lifestyles. The philosophy of minimalism has gained popularity, as it resonates with the spirit of eliminating the unnecessary to highlight what is truly important.

The spirit of the way of tea is not merely a traditional culture; it is a guiding principle for life that encourages us to discern what should be removed and what should remain. The philosophy of “the best” embodied in the world of tea continues to offer quiet insights beyond time and generations.