道； Do
You may have heard of 柔道; Judo or 剣道； Kendo. There are 茶道； Chado or Sado, 華道; Kado.
It is a path to become the best of oneself through learning and improving skills. Ikebana; the Japanese art of flower arranging is also one of Do. 華道; Kado. All 道 is lifelong learning and a journey to improve skills and our minds.
Do 道 武道、柔道、剣道、華道、茶道 I learned Karate for 3 years in Japan. I wore my Karate wear for the first time after migrating to the U.S. in 2010, for a virtual tour to Okinawa, where Karate originated. They could protect themselves without arms, win without conflict. Karate is one of Budo: 武道, martial arts, literally way of the sword, like Jud:柔道, Kendo:剣道Japanese fencing.
Ikebana that I have been learning and teaching is also called Kado:華道 way of flower. Tea Ceremony is Sado or Chado:茶道 way of tea. All have the same Chinese character 道; Do in common.
By learning and practicing it, one should train and refine our minds and body to be better people. It is lifelong learning. Even I practiced Ikebana for over 37 years, I am still on the way.
It’s like a long journey to meet myself. I can enjoy even when I get my 60’s and 70’s until my last breath. That may be the reason why I like these traditional arts. we do not compete with others but ourselves. It is beneficial to our mind and body.
Sound interesting?
Would you like to try it? Contact me!
#japaneseculture #karate #ikebana #jounery #way