7 jun 2025
“The whole universe is contained in a single flower.”
—Ikebana master Toshiro Kawase
Ikebana is an art form that arranges flowers, merging inside and outside. It is a symbolic process that is a form of meditation. The course begins with a discussion of the basic elements of Zen meditation and its relationship to flower arranging. After a short introduction to the Zen Center, participants will be instructed in basic flower arranging techniques through a lecture/demonstration followed by time to do their own arrangements. In addition, and if weather permits, we will tour the Center's gardens where participants will learn about plants suitable for arrangements and how to use materials from the garden.
What You Will Learn
Participants will learn basic Ikebana and flower arranging elements used at the Vermont Zen Center: triangulation, depth, placement, color, container size and materials. Through understanding the interaction between spiritual practice and flower arranging, participants will gain an appreciation of the deeper meaning of flowers as offerings and as a way to bring a sense of tranquility to one’s environment.
Schedule
- 09:00 — Welcome and Introduction
- 10:00 — Flower arranging demonstration
- 10:30 — Flower arranging practice
- 11:30 — Light lunch and tour of Zen Center gardens (weather permitting)
- 12:30 — Flower arranging demonstration
- 01:00 — Flower arranging practice
- 02:00 — End of day
Instructor—Marcela Pino
Marcela was born and raised in Costa Rica. She has been a member of the Vermont Zen Center and a student of Roshi Graef for 30 years. During that time she has studied and practiced different flower arrangement techniques including Ikebana and Western styles.
The practice of flower arranging at the Vermont Zen Center is a unique extension of Zen practice based on mindfulness and awareness.
—Marcela Pino
From Participants
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Everything was amazing! The space, the welcoming attitude of the teachers, the gardens! Spectacular! There is so much care and caring in this class! Flowers are such a wonderful pathway to contemplative practice and I could hear other students talking about slowing down and being mindful. Thank you!
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Loved the practical, hands-on approach that was easy to follow/understand. Learning as we go worked really well for me—weaving theory into practice. Kind, generous, approach to the practice gave me freedom to play.
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Absolutely loved the whole experience from the mix of practice and theory to the group experience and positive energy. Such a wonderful day! Thank you!
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Thank you! This was so fun! It was the perfect introduction to flower arranging for a bunch of newbies.
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I learned about triangulations, keeping arrangements simple, and using even the smallest piece of flower.
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This was great and so fun! Wish this was held once a week or twice a month.