Ikebana: A Meditative and Harmonious Approach
It was a busy Friday morning (September 19th, 2025) for the Sogetsu Chennai branch, as they gathered together for their monthly workshop. The group of 13 members was all keyed up. The topic for the day was " The four Principles of Ikebana - fresh approach, movement, balance and harmony". It promised to be a creative and reflective session. Demo Senseis Dalley Verghese and Chitra Rajan were the presenters, and they kept the group enthralled with their compositions. Sensei Dalley started the session with two presentations focusing on the theme of relationship in Ikebana. Sensei Dalley’s first arrangement depicted the harmonious relationship of elegant lines (far left in picture). The calla lily and canna leaves blended well with the antique stone container. The simplicity was stark and beautiful. The second arrangement was striking in its weaving together of natural elements - azeleas and geranium stalks against the backdrop of calm waters and open space. It was then time for...