Pursuing Happiness – Action Meditation – Ikebana

"Meditation means awareness. Whatsoever you do with awareness is Meditation. Action is not the question, but the quality you bring to your action. Whatsoever you do is Meditation."

Osho


I’ve never had much success with the traditional type of meditation – sitting quietly and stilling the mind. My mind wanders, and then I start feeling quilty because "I’m not doing it right."

I have, however, experienced real peace of mind by practicing what I call action meditation

My favorite action meditation is Japanese flower arranging (In Japan it’s called Ikebana).

Shown here are some examples of my work.


Ikebana goes back 700 years in Japan. Ikebana is the art of arranging just a few flowers and foliage in a small vase rather than working with a full bouquet.

The approach is one of simplicity in design, and there are no rules for good or bad arrangements. You may use a few as one flower and still make a beautiful display.
Ikebana One
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 Ikebana Two
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Ikebana Three
Click to Enlarge		 Ikebana Four
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If you are interested in learning more about Ikebana, there are many books on the subject:
  • Ikebana – A Practical and Philosophical Guide to Japanese Flower Arranging

    Stella COE / Edited by: Mary L Stewart

    Pub 1984 and 1989

    Out of Print: Available on Amazon as a used book

    (This was my first book, and still is, my most treasured book on the true art of Ikebana. It was published in 1984 before Ikebana got so popular in the United States.)
  • Ikebana Japanese Flower Arranging for Today’s Interior

    Diane Norman & Michelle Cornell

    Hardback – Published 2002
  • Enchanting Ikebana Step–By–Step

    Reiko Takenaka

    Hardback – 4th printing 2004
Keep It Simple