I was so happy to meet Mrs. Yuki Ikenobo! Her personality and her Ikebana demonstrations were amazing.
I could see the principle of Ikenobo Ikebana. “Discover and appreciate the natural beauty of plants. The beauty of Ikebana is not created through techniques.”
I have been teaching Ikebana here in Dallas since 2012, away from Japan. Teaching is learning, so I have learned a lot from my students’ Ikebana.
When I went back to Japan once a year, I went to my Sensei and learn Ikebana. However, like other Japanese traditional arts, Ikebana is a “way of flower.” Never stop learning. We should pursue the best of Ikebana and improve our skills and personality. I needed a teacher and lesson about Ikebana. I wanted to make sure what I teach was correct, not away from the principle of Ikenobo Ikebana.
I needed input. I tried to listen to all her words and English translation transrated by Professor so that I could use the same expression to teach in English. Then I felt confident that I had been doing all right, understanding the essence of Ikebana.
We should invest time and money and heart to improve ourselves. For me, one demonstration and one workshop were short but so fruitful.
I also promised myself to share the joy and heart of Ikebana. Ikebana is not just a beautiful flower arrangement. Through experience, we can learn so much about nature, life, and harmony. It benefits my mind and heart. Just beyond description.
Why don’t you give it a try Ikebana?
Ikebana: the Japanese art of flower arranging.