Shakamuni Buddha’s birthday is commemorated on the 8th day of the 4th month. In Japan, this celebration is called “Hana Matsuri” and the Saga Goryu North America Chapter offers an ikebana installation for this event called Mado 窓 (Window) at the Portland Japanese Garden from April 6th through 9, 2022. Members and guests who pay admission can enjoy this special display in the Tateuchi Courtyard.
A window, mado in Japanese, is an object that invites the opportunity for an individual to view the external surroundings as well as see (from the outside) the interior spaces. Allegorically, the viewer is encouraged to observe the surroundings as well as be introspective and reflect on one’s life and the possibilities of choices for one’s life.
His Majesty the Emperor composed the following waka poem based on the theme of window:
As our contacts with the world
Remain difficult,
I earnestly hope for a day
When the window opens to the world
his majesty the emperor
This year, His Majesty expressed in this poem his earnest hope that a day will come, once the pandemic is under control, when the comings and goings of people between Japan and the rest of the world will be revitalized.
The Saga Goryu School, started by Emperor Saga, founder of Daikakuji Temple in Kyoto, aims to introduce visual and spiritual pleasure into daily life. They teach floral decoration, and the skills to recognize the delicate beauty of flowers and their artistic value. According to Saga Goryu, ikebana is more than a classical art of ancient origin. It is an art form still relevant today.
What is Ikebana?
Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, has been translated as “living flowers” or “giving life to flowers.” It dates to the sixth century when China and Korea introduced Buddhism to Japan. Floral offerings, known as kuge, were placed on the altar of temples.