Ikebana Class

Contemplative Arts: Ikebana
By creating an environment which allows us to pay attention to our sense perceptions in a non-aggressive way, we are connecting with sacred world.
May 5, 2007 (9:30-4pm)



Sign-up for this training below, at the Center, or by contacting
Todd Russell

Teacher: Iris Ramos
Cost for
Members: $50
Cost for Non-members: $60
Cost for Students w/ID: $40
Scholarships are available
Prerequisite Training: None

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On Saturday, May 5th, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Shambhala Meditation Center of San Antonio Contemplative Arts Council will host a workshop on Ikebana. Ikebana is the contemplative practice of flower arrangement in which simplicity is expressed with gentleness and elegance. The word Ikebana means "give life to flowers." Although this art form originated in the 11th century in Japan, when flowers were presented in shrines and temples, it has become a contemporary expression for the profound sacredness in the world. Much more than just arranging pretty flowers, this floral practice mirrors the sacredness in the mind of the arranger, in the arrangement, and in the experience of the observer. Through this art from, the artist learns to train their perceptions, to open oneself to the harmony and natural order of our world.

In this introductory workshop, students will receive basic Ikebana instruction, and be provided ample material and opportunity for hands-on practice. Intermediate students will practice the basic form, and explore new forms of Ikebana arranging. Students who own a camera might like to bring them to capture images of their arrangements for future reference.

The instructor of this workshop will be Ms. Iris Ramos, who began practicing Ikebana in 1990 at the Austin Shambhala Meditation Center. She was a senior student of Fumiyo Matsumoto, a master from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana in Japan, for 10 years. Upon the death of Mrs. Masumoto, Iris was authorized to instruct students in the art of Ikebana. Ms. Ramos is as an authorized Director of Shambhala Training and has been teaching meditation programs in Texas and Chile. She currently resides in Austin, Texas.

The workshop will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a brief coffee reception. Lunch will be provided to all workshop participants, and the workshop will end at 4:00 p.m. Persons who plan to attend the Ikebana workshop on May 5th must register in advance by signing the registration roster at the Center or by emailing your intentions to
Todd Russell. An accurate count of the number of participants is necessary in order to prepare lunch. The recommended donation for this workshop is $50 (Members), $60 (Non-Members), and $40 (Students w/ID). The Contemplative Arts Council is making available a limited number of scholarships to individuals who may be unable to give the recommended donation, but who are willing to provide service and assistance during the workshop. Persons interested in more information about the Program Scholarship, or any aspect of the Ikebana Workshop, can contact Todd Russell (trussell@satx.rr.com or 210-348-7791).
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