Overcoming Depression with the Japanese Art of Ikebana

On the afternoon of April 6, flower lovers in Hanoi had an exchange about the Japanese art of Ikebana flower arrangement with artist - author Nguyen Thanh Hien and PhD in Japanese literature Dao Thi Thu Hang. The event was organized by Book Hunter in collaboration with the Japan Foundation.

Author Nguyen Thanh Hien (pen name: mBug) is one of the prominent faces of Ikebana art in Vietnam. From a telecommunications engineer, she turned to art, became a level 3 Ikebana teacher at Sogetsu School (Japan) and was internationally recognized through many awards such as the Tsukino-fune Prize 2024 and the Ikebana Gold Prize in Melbourne.

Artist Nguyen Thanh Hien shares his journey to Ikebana art

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

With a flower arrangement style that blends Japanese spirit and Vietnamese nature, she not only creates unique works but also spreads a peaceful and profound philosophy of life to the flower-loving community.

Ikebana art has given me life experience

At the program, artist Nguyen Thanh Hien shared her journey to the art of Ikebana flower arrangement and conveyed many meaningful messages. She said that she used to work for a large corporation but did not like her current job. For a long time, she was unbalanced because she was not suitable for the job and often got sick.

Ms. Le Hong Hanh - a student of the Ikebana art school with her work displayed at the program

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

"I slept for 38 days, my face was deformed and I was constantly hospitalized. At that time, I felt like my life was over. I remembered my youth, doing social work with many aspirations, so I took 6 months of unpaid leave and came to Plum Village (a monastery in Vietnam). I practiced a carefree lifestyle and discovered that I had a talent for flower arrangement. I often arranged flowers, posted pictures on Facebook and received many compliments. From then on, I felt that I had value. With flowers, I found myself and pursued this art form," she shared.

Artist Nguyen Thanh Hien and journalist Phan Dang introduce the book

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

She also said that when pursuing this art, she loves impermanence. "When arranging flowers, I imagine impermanence; the flowers are beautiful now, but tomorrow they will no longer be there. The same goes for human life, we need to accept the shortness of life, accept all the causes and conditions that come and go in life. From there, we will feel happiness. The art of flower arranging has given me life experience and I want to spread the philosophy of this art to the community," Ms. Hien expressed.

The book "On the Hand of Flowers Blooms" was introduced to readers

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

That is also the reason why she released the book On the Hand of Flowers Blooming to tell about her artistic journey.

Commenting on the book, Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Thi Thu Hang, one of the leading experts in Vietnam in the field of research and teaching Japanese literature, said: the book opens up many things that flower lovers need to refer to.

"Flowers that bloom in the morning and fade in the evening symbolize the finiteness of human life. Flowers not only exist in their fading beauty but are also preserved in their final moments to become immortal, guiding people to appreciate natural moments and preserve those moments," said Ms. Hang.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vuot-qua-tram-cam-nho-nghe-thuat-ikebana-nhat-ban-18525040617412959.htm