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 one arrangement was striking in its weaving together of natural elements - azeleas and geranium stalks against the backdrop of calm waters, pebbles and open space in a plain white container (far left in picture). 

The other arrangement depicted the harmonious relationship of elegant lines (far right in picture). The calla lily and canna leaves blended well with the antique stone container. The simplicity was stark and beautiful.

It was then time for Sensei Chitra Rajan's demo with two arrangements focusing on meditation.

Sensei Chitra brought a sense of peace and calm to her arrangements. Her first one focused on the meditative journey - from base passions rooted to the earth (aptly represented by red chrysanthemums and driftwood), to the contemplative stage of settling the mind (represented by a few red flowers intermingled with purple michaelmas daisies), to the final stage of bliss where focus is intense and thoughts are minimal (represented by white baby's breath).

The second arrangement used a single material - the lotus. The flowers standing tall and proud in water appeared to symbolize the beauty of self reliance and inner strength.

Riji Sensei Malathi Pandurang appreciated the demos and commented on how well the presenters had understood the theme of the day. The floor was then open for the members to practice and showcase their arrangements. 

All in all, it was a wonderful morning of camaraderie, celebration of talent, and a harmonious coming together of art and creativity.

Arrangements by members

Clockwise from top left: 

1. Sensei Chitra Thiagarajan: Tecoma flowers, canna leaves and building material tape in a red, ceramic vase

2. Sensei Meenu: Golden rods, caladium leaves and a dry vine in a ceramic container

3. Susan: Birds of paradise and crocosmia flowers, along with African princess branches in a ceramic vase

4. Luna: Painted dry coconut fronds and chrysanthemums in a hand-made container

5. Sensei Trishala: Sunflower and dried twigs in a ceramic container

6. Susan: Orange and brown chrysanthemums with dried twigs in a ceramic plate

7. Chelvi: Chrysanthemums, a bunch of dried heliconia stalks and cypress in a ceramic container