Earlier in 2023, Enmanji Buddhist Temple had the privilege to host Mrs. Kayoko Fujimoto as she shares her expertise in flower arrangement. She is the mother of the Enmanji's supervising minister Reverend Dennis Fujimoto.
Madame Fujimoto began her initial study of Ikebana as a high school student in Osaka, and moved on to study in earnest in 1948 at the Ohara School of Ikebana in Tokyo. In 1953 she received Japan's Official Ministry of Education Certificate judged by the Headmasters of the major schools after passing Ikebana examinations of extensive scope. She has received induction into the Bunka Hall of Fame in San Francisco as well as Honorary Lifetime Member of the Ohara School in Kobe, Japan. In 2010 she was bestowed The Order of the Rising Sun, Golden and Silver Rays, "Kyoku Jitsu Sou Kou Sho", by the Emperor of Japan for her many years of service to Ikebana and promoting the traditional culture of Japan. The Jodo Shinshu Honpa Hongwanji has awarded her the Cultural Bridge Between the USA and Japan recognition. Madam Fujimoto has attained the title of Grandmaster within the Ohara Ikebana School, and continues to teach to this day.
Placement and Spirit:
1. Flowers for the Buddha are to be prepared with a feeling of deep gratitude. To prepare the alter flowers is not to display our skills and expertise, but to humbly accept this opportunity to provide these arrangements.
2. The first element of the arrangement is the placement of the background branches or greens. The rays of the Buddha's light, wisdom, and strength are symbolically expressed.
3. When using chrysanthemums, utilize large, medium, and small chrysanthemum flowers. Yellow is considered the King of the chrysanthemum colors. Thus, the large chrysanthemums should be of yellow color. The other flowers and materials used should be selected with harmony and balance in mind.
4. The base of the arrangement should be placed in a tight, closed formation. From this base, the arrangement opens and extends outward and upward. The height of the flowers should be doubled the height of the vase. The width of the arrangement should be triple the width of the vase. These are general and minimal guidelines. The arrangements are prepared with consideration of the setting - table size, space, and the surrounding altar elements should also be considered as each altar setting differs.
5. Flowers or materials of foul or strong odors should not be used.
Fujimoto Kayoko [Suiyo]