Ikebana For You

Intro: Now that you have all the basic knowledge about Ikebana, check out if you have the attributes required to be a student of Ikebana. Ikebana is no more an art restricted to the Japanese only. We in India appreciate beauty and are hence making this art accessible to one and all who are interested. This module will also tell you where to find Ikebana in your daily life. We will realize that Ikebana has a significance and meaning that was hitherto unknown of amongst most of our countrymen but can now be applied in several walks of life. In this module, we will also deal with what you do after you have learnt the amazing art of Ikebana. Finally take a peep into the Spiritual aspects of Ikebana.

ATTRIBUTES

Personal attributes required to be a student of Ikebana The ability to express oneself creatively and a passion for flowers is the basic requirement for Ikebana. Heena Rehumtulla, Ikebana specialist says, "the person should be able to throw himself into it (Ikebana), only then can he look at it seriously. This is what differentiates a hobby from a career."

Ikebana is a great form of self-expression. The ability to look at flowers as 'nature' and the will to fill this nature beautifully into your vases is what makes Ikebana an art. "When you pluck flowers, you take its source of life away from it. The whole concept of Ikebana is to give the same life back to it and to keep the flowers alive as long as possible" says Heena. Ikebana requires continuous dedication, concentration, patience and uninterrupted practice and without doubt a love for nature.

WHERE TO FIND IKEBANA

Where can I see Ikebana in everyday life? Traditionally, arranged flowers were decorated in the toko-no-ma--the alcove in rooms where guests were normally received. Today they are also frequently seen in entrance halls and living rooms, as well as in lobbies of large buildings and shop windows.

In a world of concrete and steel, flowers bring freshness to our lives. Ikebana as a special art of flower arrangement is preferred to normal forms of arrangement. Though most of the times people do not know the difference. In our everyday lives we see Ikebana in restaurants, flights, hotels etc. All these places hire 'florists'. An Ikebana specialist is obviously preferred to a florist.

• People enjoy learning Ikebana because of their great love of nature. We have always been interested in making our homes and living environments more attractive.
• In a world where stress levels seem to be increasing, our heart rate and blood pressures can be lowered by practicing Ikebana.
• The involvement with Ikebana is good for you physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Ikebana is very relaxing
• Another reason Ikebana has grown so much in popularity is that there is a basic economy of materials used. We no longer need to spend money on enormous amounts of flowers.
• Architects are becoming more aware of the importance of incorporating nature into their designs.

WHAT YOU DO

What can I do after I learn Ikebana? The most important thing you need to remember is that you can't become an Ikebana specialist in a few lessons, or courses or even years. Ikebana is life-long learning. People take decades before they can claim they have become specialists. But once you are sure that you have learnt enough to pass on that knowledge to other people or start it off as a career, you have the following options:

• Teaching: the most common job with this art is to teach it or spread your knowledge and expertise to others. This is mostly done privately. Students are charged per class, which can be anything between 200 to 700 rupees. You can either hold classes in your place or go to people's residences to teach.
• Teaching Ikebana has a bright future. "An Ikebana teacher should have the mind set of sharing knowledge. No art can be 'sold' it can only be taught and shared", says Heena who has been teaching Ikebana for the past 40 years.
• Take up a job: hotels, restaurants, banks, private offices, airlines, churches, shopping arcades normally either hire or tie up with people to provide them flower arrangements. You can either tie up with them and deliver Ikebana arranged vases as they wish, or you can become an employee with them.
• Hold exhibitions/ sales: If you are really good (which normally takes time) you can hold exhibitions or sales of your arrangements. But this stage is not reached with that ease. Besides you can't rely on exhibitions alone for your bread and butter.

SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF IKEBANA

Many practitioners of Ikebana feel that the spiritual aspect of Ikebana is very important. One becomes quiet when one practices Ikebana. It helps you to live "in the moment" and to appreciate things in nature that previously had seemed insignificant. One becomes more patient and tolerant of differences, not only in nature, but more generally in other people. Ikebana can inspire you to identify with beauty in all art forms -- painting, music, etc., and to always expect the best in yourself.