In my search for the perfect Ikebana webpages I find a lot of definitions of Ikebana created by different people. Most of them start with “Ikebana is more than just an art of flower arranging…” So how do you define this “more”? Here are a couple of versions, my favorite ones so far:

“More than simply putting flowers in a container, ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and human creativity are brought together. Language is not needed to understand the beauty of Ikebana, it holds no cultural boundaries. Minimal materials convey meaning through colour combinations, natural shapes and graceful lines. Enjoyed not only for its beauty but also for its meditative qualities, Ikebana is an art form anyone, anywhere can appreciate and benefit from.” (by Donna Canning of www.new.uniquejapan.com)

“More than being decorative, ikebana is thought of as a path of life or a kind of meditation.” (by B. Lennart Persson of www.nordiclotus.com)

“Calling ikebana “flower arranging” doesn’t tell the half of it. This centuries-old Japanese minimalist art form was born in the Buddhist temples of ancient Kyoto. Working in ikebana is a silent, solitary and meditative act that is about connecting with nature and finding beauty in line and shape — branches and leaves — rather than splashy blossoms and lush bouquets.” (Team writer of www.paperandtea.com)

“Arranging ikebana is not an intellectual exercise, nor is it merely an artistic one, as the arrangers have to abandon themselves to their senses, pay attention to their feelings, in other words, follow their heart. Arranging ikebana is for me a spiritual practice.” (by Jean-Marcel Duciaume of Flowers, Poetry and Other Essentials…)

If you are already familiar with the Ikebana way, how do you define it for yourself?

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