Ikebana and us

It was Monday, the 6th of July 2026—a warm morning marking the beginning of the week and bringing with it the promise of fresh beginnings. Members of the Chennai Sogetsu Branch were gathered at the ABK Centre after a long summer break, eager to reconnect and plan for the year ahead.  The day's demonstrations were presented by Sensei Bhuvana Shivshankaran and member Luna Bose, each bringing their own unique interpretation of the Sogetsu principles. Sensei Bhuvana's first arrangement as a new sensei explored the concept of composing with branches. With remarkable artistry, she intertwined two beautifully sculptural tree branches, allowing them to support one another in perfect balance. The resulting composition reached gracefully upward, evoking a sense of aspiration and quiet strength, as though reaching out towards the sky. Composing with branches--artistry in upward motion (Book 5, Lesson 14) Sensei Bhuvana's second arrangement celebrated the characteristics of glass conta...

Seventeen members of the  Sogetsu Chennai branch met on Saturday, July 26th, after a long summer break. The enthusiasm to meet and enjoy each other's company was palpable at the ABK Hall. By 10.45am, the room was filled with loud conversations and occasional peels of laughter. Summer was almost done (well, almost), and the branch was set to start its activities for the rest of the year. Riji Malathi Pandurang welcomed Ms. Mami Teraoka, Researcher/Adviser, Culture & Information, Consulate-General of Japan  to the gathering of 17 members, and set the ball rolling with important announcements. She briefed the group about the Japan trip in April where a few of the members had attended a Sogetsu workshop in Tokyo with Master Instructor Sumide. Ma'am also spoke about the exhibition held earlier this year in March and the good experiences from the 5-day event. New members Zeenath Kadir, Christine Arati Fernando, and Ragini Prakash were welcomed. The workshop theme of the day was ...