"Harmony and Warmth in Full Bloom": Fo Guang Shan Toronto Hosts Ikenobo Floral Art Workshop

Culture

As the first hints of autumn arrived, Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapters Daci 1, 2, and 3 jointly hosted the "Harmony and Warmth in Full Bloom: Encountering Autumn" Ikenobo floral art workshop at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto on September 20. Taught by Venerable Master's lay lecturer and Humanistic Academy Ikenobo instructor Chen Shufen, nearly 40 members explored the beauty of nature and Chan mindfulness through seasonal autumn blooms.

Advising monastic Venerable Ru Xin noted the longstanding affinity between Buddhism and the way of flowers, evoking the Buddha holding up a flower on Vulture Peak. Venerable Ru Xin encouraged attendees to cultivate the Dharma and see the Buddha in flowers, bringing peace and blessings back to their homes ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

With over 40 years of floral practice, Chen Shufen shared that she began studying ikebana at age 18 in Taiwan before immigrating to Canada, viewing the craft as a lifelong journey of study and teaching.

Chen introduced Ikenobo as Japan's oldest flower arrangement school, originating at Rokkaku-do in Kyoto from temple floral offerings before evolving into a rich art form spanning centuries. Its key forms—Rikka, Shoka, and Free Style—embody distant, middle, and close scenery to express inner resonance through line, color, and space.

"Free style arrangements must tell a story; only then are they truly moving," Chen shared, recalling her visit to the Medicine Buddha at Toji Temple in Kyoto and infusing that gratitude and warmth into her floral art.

Focusing on the autumn theme, Chen introduced dahlias, cockscomb, chrysanthemums, beech leaves, rose hips, and solidago, encouraging students to embrace plants in their organic postures without forced perfection—finding natural grace even in weathered leaves.

Guided by Chen and experienced assistants, participants crafted their own arrangements in the Hai Hui Hall, reflecting on balance, intentional spacing, and being present in the moment.

Venerable Ru Xin concluded with a reflection from the Avatamsaka Sutra: "A world in a wild flower." Just as scattered stems find elegance when arranged with mindful hands, life and spiritual cultivation flourish through care and inner peace.