The Way of Flowers
by Anthony Torres
What is Ikebana?
In the simplest sense, Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower
arrangement.
It stemmed from sixth century Buddhist rituals of offering
flowers to spirits of the dead.
From the fifteenth century onwards, Ikebana has established
itself as an artistic discipline
Is ikebana just floral
decoration?
NO!!! Ikebana is so much more...
Ikebana, aside from its profound spiritual elements,
intertwines the Japanese love for nature.
It strives to create a living dynamic between nature and
humanity.
In essence, Ikebana is about developing intimacy with
nature, linking contemporary, urban life with the wholeness
of nature
Ikebana practitioners
Practitioners of Ikebana strive to creatively express color
combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and beauty.
Arrangements are made out of living branches, leaves,
grasses, mosses, fruits, flowers, and blossoms.
Flowers...seems pretty feminine, right? Nope, some of the
most highly skilled ikebana artists are male. Historically,
even the most hard-boiled samurai studied this art intently.
Spiritual Aspects
Rekindling the natural element with the human element
The practice of Ikebana can be said to evoke meditation.
“Living in the moment;” Silence during arrangement.
A greater appreciation of one’s life and immediate
environment is fostered.
One can become more patient and tolerant.
Ikebana allows one to identify with the beauty of all art.
THANK YOU...ENJOY THE IKEBANA CEREMONY!