Hospitality Begins Before We Meet: The Care Behind “Prepare for Rain, Even When It Is Not Raining”

When inviting someone for tea, we spend time thinking about which leaves to choose and which sweets to serve.

Try adding another perspective: “What if things do not go as planned?” What if it rains? What if your guest arrives late? What if they would prefer a glass of water before a cup of warm tea?

The tea ceremony teaching “Prepare for rain, even when it is not raining” offers an approach that also speaks to everyday hospitality.

What does “Prepare for rain, even when it is not raining” mean?

Urasenke introduces seven teachings passed down as the words of Sen no Rikyu, known as Rikyu's Seven Rules. One is “Prepare for rain, even when it is not raining”.

Literally, it means preparing for rain even when the weather is fine. Urasenke's explanation goes beyond having rain gear ready: it describes the preparation and state of mind that allow us to respond calmly to changing circumstances.[1][2]

Rather than ensuring that everything follows our predictions, we can prepare ourselves to find an appropriate response when something changes. Read this way, the teaching feels closer to everyday life.

Time to prepare also gives us time for others

Another of Rikyu's Seven Rules is “Be early for the appointed time”.

Urasenke connects allowing enough time with valuing not only our own time but also the other person's. It also explains that arriving unnecessarily early can be discourteous.[3]

The aim is not simply to arrive early, but to consider the other person's circumstances. Perhaps preparation can be approached in the same way.

Having your utensils ready gives you room to listen to the person in front of you. Preparing the water and cups allows you to welcome a guest without keeping them waiting while you rush.

Preparation is both a practical task and time spent making room to pay attention to someone else.

Bringing this into everyday tea time

The following are NACHARAL's suggestions for daily life, inspired by the teachings of the tea ceremony.
When welcoming someone at home, imagine a little of their experience before choosing the tea and sweets.

On a rainy day, make space for a wet umbrella. For someone carrying several bags, leave a place beside their chair. Ask about food preferences and anything they avoid, rather than making assumptions.

Before serving tea, a simple “Would you like some tea now?” can help bring your preparations into line with what your guest wants at that moment. There is no need for special tableware. You can begin with your usual teapot and cups, and a little clear space on the table.

Leave yourself room to change your plans

This approach may also suit tea time on your own.

On busy days, a long break may not be possible. Some days you may brew slowly in a teapot; on others, you may enjoy a cup in the time available.

Adjust the plan you thought you would follow to how you feel today. Keeping your utensils easy to reach is another small way of preparing for yourself.

Rather than following the same pattern every day, find a tea time that fits the day you are living. This is the kind of relationship with plants and tea that NACHARAL hopes to value.

Closing thoughts

“Prepare for rain, even when it is not raining” teaches us to prepare both practically and mentally so that we can respond calmly when circumstances change. Next time you share tea with someone, consider not only what to serve but also how you would like them to feel. Hospitality begins with small acts of care before you meet.

Sources and references

1. Urasenke: What is chado?: an explanation of Rikyu's Seven Rules as teachings passed down as the words of Sen no Rikyu.
2. Urasenke: What is the spirit of tea?: an explanation of “Prepare for rain, even when it is not raining”.
3. Urasenke: Four Principles and Seven Rules: preparation, mindset and “Be early for the appointed time”.