It was in 1987 that I first put these notes together. There were a great number of errors both in the calligraphy and the text. These notes did, however all too accurately, reflect my limited understanding at that time. I have always been encouraged by the idea that, if you wait until you are ready, you will never do anything.
The intervening years have seen a growth in my own development and my ability to present ideas more accurately, and the calligraphy, which is my own, has improved with the number of rewrites necessary for this new edition, and would have continued to improve as I worked through each of the months many times. However a line has to be drawn and this is the very best that I have been able to achieve at this time.
I am indebted to Yukiko Soyu Sakai, Fumiko Miya and Kyoko Read, students of the London Branch, for their devoted time and effort in the proof-reading. The responsibility however, for any remaining errors, is mine alone.
In keeping with twenty-first century communication and my sincere belief in the democratisation of knowledge, these notes have been prepared for uploading to the Internet. In this way anyone with a modem and an interest in Japan, even though unfamiliar with Chanoyu, will have the Opportunity to absorb something of the spirit of the Way of Tea.
Michael A Birch Resident Tea Master Urasenke Foundation London September 1994