| Contemplative Arts
Contemplative
Arts comprise a number of secular disciplines and activities, including
flower arranging and photography, that integrate art and culture with
everyday life. Each of these disciplines represents a genuine
contemplative path; together they bring beauty, vividness and wisdom to
our lives and culture.
Shambhala Art
Shambhala
Art is art that springs from clear perception and pure expression. To
artist or non-artist, the creative process often seems mysterious and
magical. How do we give a physical reality to some ephemeral
inspiration or abstract truth? How do we create forms that communicate
some essential nature beyond the limits of their container? The
Shambhala Art Program's purpose is to explore the creative process and
the product we call art from the point of view of clear perception and
pure expression. It is about the source of inspiration, how the
creative process manifests and finally how what we create communicates
that inspiration. See also www.shambhalaart.org.
Kalapa Ikebana
In
1982, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche formed a new school of
ikebana (Japanese
flower arranging) inspired by his own training and vision. Kalapa
Ikebana, as this school is called, promotes the study and practice of
flower arranging, often working closely with masters of other schools
of ikebana.
Kyudo
Kyudo
means the way of the bow and can be described as a form of standing
meditation. Under the direction of Shibata Kanjuro, Sensei and senior
instructors, students learn an ancient form of archery using
traditional Japanese bows. Kyudo is a form of meditation practice, not
sport, and hitting the target is not considered important. The purpose
of kyudo is to purify one's heart and mind to awaken the natural
dignity of being human, beyond the obstacles of ambition, aggression or
confusion.
Miksang
"You
develop strength in your sight, so that when you look at the Great
Eastern Sun you don't become blinded by it. Having developed a dharmic
eye, you will be able to see the Great Eastern Sun. See also www.miksang.net and
www.miksang.net/miksangfilm.html
Maitri Five Wisdoms Practice
This
practice is based on the principles of the five buddha families, each
of which expresses a particular style and attitude of openness.
Maintaining a posture associated with each family in five specifically
designed rooms heightens the characteristic patterns of energy of each
family, so that both the neurotic and sane aspects of the student's
personal style becomes apparent. See also www.maitripractice-international.org.
Mudra Space Awareness
This
awareness practice is based on postures and movement from traditional
Tibetan monastic dance. Simple yet demanding, these techniques train
students in synchronizing body and mind, in relating with space, in maintaining awareness during intense activity, and in communication.
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