By: Rev. Joshin Dennis Fujimoto

The 2026 Ohara School of Ikebana Northern California Chapter Flower Show was again held at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, California on May 30 and 31. A constant stream of Ikebana enthusiasts from throughout the Bay Area and beyond visited the JSC throughout the 2 day show.

 Prior to opening to the general public, the teachers and students gathered in the Kodo of the Jodo Shinshu Center to take part in a Hana Kuyou Service. This unique service is a memorial service for the flowers, greens, and materials that give their lives and their beauty in Ikebana expression. The service and exhibit participants, of various religious and cultural backgrounds, were encouraged to become humbled in presenting their arrangements. 

 The Hana Kuyou Service is not just a ritual or a beginning to the show. This service and every service is a guide and a process that opens us to realize what we are doing and why we are here. The flowers are the Buddha and the voice of reality, teaching us about life and death … teaching us that time is short and that life is precious. As we work with the flowers, our voice quiets and their voice teaches us about the truths of life. The flowers open us to all things … connect us to all things … connecting each of us to the infinite.

 With the conclusion of the Hana Kuyou Service, the teachers and students become one with the flowers, the branches, and all the materials. They each become one with their voice of silence, sharing the truths of life, beauty, and strength with guests and friends. The doors opened to a wonderful weekend show.