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.

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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 »

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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.

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On Saturday, May 23rd, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, we’re offering an opportunity to work/play with earth, space and flowers in an introductory contemplative flower arranging workshop led by longtime Kootenay Shambhala Centre member and ikebana enthusiast Gala Sly. Please join us!

Learn more on our Ikebana Workshop page.