In this video, Stéphane Bédard, who studied ikebana with Seibi Watanabe Sensei, shows how the Shambhala Buddhist path as taught by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and his son and successor, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, has inspired his ikebana practice for more than 30 years. Born in a Broken Heart illustrates how ikebana can touch the heart of anyone and bring more peace, joy and a sense of celebration to our society.

Gala Sly led a follow-up ikebana workshop on September 4th, and this gallery shows some of the arrangements we made.

For anyone who is interested in learning how to do ikebana there will be an introductory workshop on Saturday, October 16th from 1PM to 4PM. To find out more or to register follow the link: Introductory Ikebana Workshop.

Click on the images to enlarge them.

This is the sixth in a series of Kootenay Shambhala member interviews conducted by Bobbie Ogletree to explore the notion of “creating enlightened society,” a central theme of Shambhala, and celebrate our community’s diversity. Click here for all member interviews.

GALA SLY is a retired high school teacher, cyclist, ikebana (contemplative flower arranging) enthusiast and longtime member of the Kootenay Shambhala Centre.

Gala Sly

Bobbie Ogletree: How long have you been a Shambhala meditator, and how did you get involved with ikebana?

Gala Sly: Over 20 years. One of the reasons I went back for more Shambhala Training was the ikebana that I saw at the Centre when I went for my first levels here and in Vancouver. After I’d been around the Centre for a long time, I wanted to find a way I could give back. Because I’m not comfortable or skilled at talking, especially in a group, it really helps me out to borrow the silent language of flowers. I think that ikebana can communicate the dharma. So, I can hopefully contribute something in that way rather than sit in the front and give a talk.

When you say that ikebana silently communicates the dharma. What do you mean exactly? Is it about beauty?

Beauty is part of it, but it is greater than beauty. It is the willingness to work with anything and to say that anything is workable. When the arrangement comes together, it can point to the truth. It kind of speaks the truth without having to figure out things like what do the 12 nidanas mean. There’s nothing really to get. It’s like music. You just look at it and it gets you in the heart or it doesn’t. It has an arresting transmission quality. Read the rest of this entry »

“Generosity” • Chinese calligraphy by Sohan Ko

The first Great Mandala Offering was held today at the Kootenay Shambhala Centre and throughout the mandala to provide Shambhala vajrayana practitioners with an opportunity to celebrate the joy of generosity and extend the blessings of generosity to the world.

May all benefit.

Click here for Parts 1 and 2

Titled “Entering Now: A Journey into Shambhala Art,” this video is the latest in a series of wonderful Shambhala Art films produced in Ottawa.

Thank you Sohan!

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This image shows one of several grayscale bookmarks featuring Sohan Ko’s gorgeous Chinese calligraphy now ready for the printer.

Let us know your ideas for future bookmarks, in the comments section below, or by emailing us at nelsonbuddha@gmail.com.

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Shown here is the first of a number of simple functional art pieces―aka bookmarks―that we’re planning to create over the coming weeks and months. This piece features a striking photo of Mount Loki by Michael Foster.

A series with the six transcendent actions―generosity, discipline, patience, exertion, meditation, and wisdom―rendered in Chinese calligraphy by Sohan Ko is in the works.

Watch for the bookmarks at the Shambhala Centre (and Nelson Municipal Library, Oso Negro Cafe and elsewhere around town).

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Have fun with earth, space and flowers (and train your mind and discover the richness of the present moment), April 10th, 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Everyone is welcome.

Learn more on our Ikebana Workshop page.

These two short videos, posted on YouTube just a few days ago, offer an exceptionally eloquent teaching on coming to our senses, manifesting peace and harmony, and celebrating each moment of everyday life.

Thank you to all involved in creating this wonderful gift!

Click here for Part 3