The Japanese tea ceremony has inspired harmony, respect, purity and tranquility for over 1000 years. During a tea ceremony, the simple drinking of tea refreshes the mind and brings clarity. The heart of the tea ceremony is found in the four principles of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. These principles teach that achieving enlightenment and being in oneness with universal principles leads to only tranquility in one's heart. What is learned in the tea ceremony leads one to focus on non-material things that truly matter in life, and practicing "living for the sake of others", which are essential for building a peaceful world community beyond differences.