Ichi-go, Ichi-e

Ichi-go, Ichi-e literally means, "one moment, only once".

It carries with it the idea of how yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come, live in the moment.

Sado: The Way of Tea

This saying is associated with Sado, The Japanese Tea Ceremomy. The Tea Ceremony is all about being in the moment. Seeing... feeling... sensing the moment.  As far as I have been able to determine, it was first used in a book written by a Soji Yamagami, a disciple of the great Japanese Tea Master, Sen Rikyu (1522-1599). Soji states in his book:

"When you hold a tea ceremony, you should treat your guests with the best hospitality from beginning to end as if this is the first and the last ceremony hosted by you in your life".

Ichi-go-ichi-e also teaches us:

"whenever you meet someone, even if it is very short, think it the only chance to communicate with him in you life and do your best in treating him".

Budo - The Martial Way or The Way of War

The term has also been used in the martial arts. It reminds the students to stay in the moment as they practice their forms. Stopping in the middle of a technique to start over is strongly admonished by the sensei, as in warfare, as in life we don't get "do-overs", there is only one opportunity. Be in this moment, experience it. What you do with now will determine the future, perhaps even life or death.

When all is said and done, all that really matters is right now.

~Tatu

To read more on this concept:

To Blossom and Scatter: The Martial Ways and Way of Flowers

Not Your Ordinary Cup of Tea

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