Fall Kado Retreat: The Way of Flowers
With Artist to the Court Marcia Shibata
September 19 - 23, 2019
Early registration is recommended as space is limited to 15 people
An intensive 5 day program including flower arranging demonstrations, sitting, Dharma talks, Kado practice, outside walks, cutting our own materials, evening events, and the pleasure of working together as “practicing flowers is understanding how society works.”
“Kado” in Chinese means “The Way of Flowers” and began in China over 2300 years ago. When it was introduced and assimilated into Japan, the Japanese word “Ikebana” arose, meaning “living or natural flowers.” Kado is a contemplative practice that studies nature as it is.
Using classical Ikebana forms, Kado teaches us to clearly see the wisdom in nature, in ourselves and in others. The ultimate purpose in Kado is not to make pleasant flower arrangements, but cultivate appreciation for each moment, to work with obstacles, and to develop respect for ourselves, others and all forms of life.
Leader
Marcia Wang Shibata was introduced to Buddhism and Ikebana by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche at Karme Chöling Shambhala Center in 1974. Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche was an Ikebana Master from the Sogetsu School, the newest school of the flower tradition of Japan. From 1980 to 1985 Misses Wang Shibata studied flowers in Japan at the Ikenobo and Saga Misho School – both of them are the oldest, classical Ikebana schools. She began teaching in the West in 1986. Her central interest in flower practice remains to transmit it as a meditative activity, not as a decorative form. Today Misses Wang Shibata teaches…
Learn more about Artist to the Court Marcia Shibata