1. IkebanaIkebana The Way of Flowers by Anthony Torres

2. What is Ikebana? In the simplest sense, Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It stemmed from sixth century Buddhist rituals of offering flowers to spirits of the dead. From the fifteenth century onwards, Ikebana has established itself as an artistic discipline In the simplest sense, Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It stemmed from sixth century Buddhist rituals of offering flowers to spirits of the dead. From the fifteenth century onwards, Ikebana has established itself as an artistic discipline

3. Is ikebana just floral decoration? NO!!! Ikebana is so much more... Ikebana, aside from its profound spiritual elements, intertwines the Japanese love for nature. It strives to create a living dynamic between nature and humanity. In essence, Ikebana is about developing intimacy with nature, linking contemporary, urban life with the wholeness of nature NO!!! Ikebana is so much more... Ikebana, aside from its profound spiritual elements, intertwines the Japanese love for nature. It strives to create a living dynamic between nature and humanity. In essence, Ikebana is about developing intimacy with nature, linking contemporary, urban life with the wholeness of nature

4. Ikebana practitioners Practitioners of Ikebana strive to creatively express color combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and beauty. Arrangements are made out of living branches, leaves, grasses, mosses, fruits, flowers, and blossoms. Flowers...seems pretty feminine, right? Nope, some of the most highly skilled ikebana artists are male. Historically, even the most hard-boiled samurai studied this art intently. Practitioners of Ikebana strive to creatively express color combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and beauty. Arrangements are made out of living branches, leaves, grasses, mosses, fruits, flowers, and blossoms. Flowers...seems pretty feminine, right? Nope, some of the most highly skilled ikebana artists are male. Historically, even the most hard-boiled samurai studied this art intently.

5. Spiritual Aspects Rekindling the natural element with the human element The practice of Ikebana can be said to evoke meditation. “Living in the moment;” Silence during arrangement. A greater appreciation of one’s life and immediate environment is fostered. One can become more patient and tolerant. Ikebana allows one to identify with the beauty of all art. Rekindling the natural element with the human element The practice of Ikebana can be said to evoke meditation. “Living in the moment;” Silence during arrangement. A greater appreciation of one’s life and immediate environment is fostered. One can become more patient and tolerant. Ikebana allows one to identify with the beauty of all art.

6. THANK YOU...ENJOY THE IKEBANA CEREMONY!