Contemplative Arts & Disciplines (includes Nalanda, Maitri, Mudra), Introductory
The Way of Flowers: Exploring Ikebana as a Mindfulness Practice
Join us as we explore ikebana, the Asian art of flower arrangement, as a contemplative dharma art exploration to invite mindful art in everyday life.
Learn how to connect with the qi (life force energy) of a flower, and invite it’s wisdom into your home and meditation practice. You will receive an instructional demonstration on how to create an ikebana arrangement, interwoven with contemplative dharma art and Buddhist and Taoist teachings. This program is for anyone looking to develop a greater awareness of nature, their environment and the world of flowers while connecting with other people who love flowers and contemplative arts.
I don’t think you learn dharma art, you discover it; and you do not teach dharma art, but you set up an environment so it can be discovered. — True Perception, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Participants will be invited to create their own flower arrangement in class (Flowers will be provided). Participants will also receive practical learning and tips on ikebana equipment, where to purchase, and how to use them. This program is for all skill levels. No artistic experience is required. Plant materials included and some ikebana supplies are available for loan. See supply list below.
Ikebana Equipment List
(some of these items will be available to borrow for the day at the Shambhala Center like the Suiban style container and the kenzan.)
1. Ikenobo Flower Arranging Shears / Ikebana Scissors OR any 5-8″ regular scissors will work
2. Ikebana Suiban style container with a minimum 10” diameter x approx. 2-3″ high, for example (inexpensive plastic option good for travel). Purchasing an expensive container is not recommended for beginners. You may also find a serving dish that meets these qualifications. For non-beginners: you could find ceramic vases, or smaller in diameter. Also there are various shapes if you look online, at etsy.com
3. Kenzan ($16 and up) Suggested: 3-4″ diameter x approx min 3/4″ high needles, metal. (2.75″ dia + .5″ high needles ok, not ideal)
4. A small towel and one or two plastic water pitchers or equivalent.
5. Also recommended, but not required: Garden shears
For more info contact:
[email protected]
ABOUT THE TEACHER
Anjie Cho is a feng shui educator, licensed practicing architect, and Shambhala Art teacher. She has studied ikebana since 2015 and is a Kakyo Level 9 Assistant Professor of Ikebana, 3rd Grade in the Ikenobo School. She’s the author of three books: Holistic Spaces, Mindful Homes, and Mindful Living. Anjie is also the owner of Anjie Cho Architect PLLC, co-founder of Mindful Design Feng Shui School, and co-host of the Holistic Spaces Podcast.
See her ikebana arrangements at instagram.com/anjie.ikebana