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Ikebana: An Ancient Tradition of Contemporary Healing and Artful Practice

Article in The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy · July 2021

DOI: 10.15453/2168-6408.1918

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 The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Volume 9 Article 16
Issue 3 Summer 2021

July 2021

Ikebana: An Ancient Tradition of Contemporary Healing and Artful

Practice
Jennifer K. Fortuna PhD, OTR/L
Grand Valley State University – USA, [email protected]

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Recommended Citation
Fortuna, J. K. (2021). Ikebana: An Ancient Tradition of Contemporary Healing and Artful Practice. The
Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 9(3), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1918

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Ikebana: An Ancient Tradition of Contemporary Healing and Artful Practice

Abstract
Dr. Ricardo Carrásco, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is an occupational therapy professor and ikebana artist. He
provided the cover art for the Summer 2021 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT).
Ikebana is the ancient Japanese art of arranging flowers. “Kanta of the Wind, Sun and Moon” is an
ikebana design made from blue and white Phalaenopsis orchids, chrysanthemum, bear grass, and
heirloom driftwood. This gendaika, or freestyle design, is a haiku tribute to the wind, sun, and moon. Dr.
Carrásco has been practicing occupational therapy and ikebana for more than 5 decades. As an
occupational scientist and therapist, he has experience working in pediatric, academic, research, mental
health, and wellness practice settings. Dr. Carrásco currently serves as headmaster of the Banmi Shofu
Ryu school of ikebana. His story is shared from a sense of duty and obligation to preserve this ancient
tradition of contemporary healing and artful practice.

Keywords
occupation, occupational therapy, ikebana, Japanese, art, flower arranging, Ricardo Carrásco

Credentials Display
Jennifer Fortuna, PhD, OTR/L

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(OJOT). Reprint permission for this Occupation and the Artist should be obtained from the
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DOI: 10.15453/2168-6408.1918

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 Fortuna: Ikebana: An ancient tradition of contemporary healing and artful practice

Ikebana is the ancient Japanese art of arranging flowers. Rooted in a Buddhist flower offering
ritual, ikebana was brought to Japan in the sixth century. Each school of ikebana has its own unique style.
Banmi Shofu Ryu is a modern school of ikebana, even though its mother school, Shofu Ryu originated in
the 16th century. In Japanese, shofu translates to pine, or living breeze (Banmi Shofu Ryu of Ikebana,
2019). Certain rules and methods guide the construction of an ikebana arrangement. For example, the
overall design should be minimalist and replicate nature. A purpose, such as a story line or haiku, must be
incorporated. Heaven, earth, and man are the three main branches of a Banmi Shofu Ryu ikebana
arrangement. Thoughtful consideration is given to each element. The height and placement of each branch
is intentional. Design aesthetics have a distinct kado, or way of the flowers, and ma, which is the essential
empty space and time for life to grow. The natural structures of stems and leaves provide shape, line, and
form. Flowers are used to enhance color and contrast. Thin blades of grass tie everything together. The
school frowns on the use of wire and inorganic materials. Driftwood adds texture, substance, and a
connection with nature. In Banmi Shofu Ryu, driftwood is an essential design element. Heirloom
driftwood pieces are handed down from previous iemoto, or headmasters. For Dr. Ricardo Carrásco,
ikebana is an expression of spiritual creativity that evokes feelings of calm, mindfulness, and relaxation.
Dr. Carrásco, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is an Figure 1
occupational therapy professor and ikebana artist. Cover Art for OJOT Vol 9, No 3, Summer 2021
He provided the cover art for the Summer 2021
edition of The Open Journal of Occupational
Therapy (OJOT). “Kanta of the Wind, Sun and
Moon” (see Figure 1) is an ikebana design made
from blue and white Phalaenopsis orchids,
chrysanthemum, and heirloom driftwood. Thin
strands of bear grass are looped into a sphere. The
double mouthed container was created by Dr.
Carrásco. This gendaika, or freestyle design, is a
haiku tribute to the wind, sun, and moon. Dr.
Carrásco has been practicing occupational therapy
and the art of ikebana for more than 5 decades. As
an occupational scientist and therapist, he has
experience working in pediatric, academic,
research, mental health, and wellness practice
settings. Dr. Carrásco currently serves as
headmaster of the Banmi Shofu Ryu school of
ikebana. His story is shared from a sense of duty
and obligation to preserve this ancient tradition of
contemporary healing and artful practice.
Dr. Ricardo Carrásco was born and raised
in the Philippines. Growing up in a traditional
Filipino family, he was raised with a strong work ethic. Dr. Carrásco grew up believing in the power of
“doing.” His childhood was rich with memories of family, nature, and flowers. Dr. Carrásco’s grandfather
owned rice fields. His backyard farm was comprised of 10 acres devoted to sugar cane, vegetables, and
herbs. “Mother had a small garden in the house,” said Dr. Carrásco. “She would pick gardenias and orchids

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 The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol. 9, Iss. 3 [2021], Art. 16

and arrange them in containers.” Flowers were part of Dr. Carrásco’s art and spirituality. Over time,
flowers became the common thread that would enrich his life and future practice.
Dr. Carrásco’s parents always wanted him to become a teacher, but he rebelled. “I wanted to be a
marketing executive,” he said. Ultimately, Dr. Carrásco did become a teacher. In 1964, he earned an
elementary teaching certificate from Pasig Catholic College in the Philippines. “Once I became a teacher,
I went back to school to earn a degree in Figure 2
marketing,” he said. In 1968, Dr. Carrásco left “Moribana Futa Kabu” (2021) by Dr. Ricardo Carrásco
teaching to work as a senior account executive at a
Chicago-based advertising firm. He was assigned
the Asia-Pacific region. “I traveled constantly,
from country to country,” he said. Dr. Carrásco
married an artist and they relished in all things art.
In Taiwan, they were introduced to ikebana. “We
took weekly lessons with sensei Banmi Yoneko
Fooks,” he said. “We were the only two students in
the class.” Dr. Carrásco rode his bicycle to ikebana
lessons. On the way, he stopped at the flower
market to fill his basket. “Banmi made it clear that
I needed to start teaching and become a sensei,”
said Dr. Carrásco. Soon, he started assisting Banmi
and began teaching others the ancient art of
ikebana. “Moribana Futa Kabu” (see Figure 2) is a
pond-like ikebana design made from purple Dutch
Iris, Dianella Flax lily flowers and leaves,
Limonia, and wormwood driftwood in a suiban, or
shallow container. This arrangement replicates
nature in the form of a fish path. The ceramic
fisherman completes the design.
In 1972, Dr. Carrásco was about to be promoted to an executive position at his marketing firm
when he moved to Taiwan with his family for an appointment with the United States Department of
Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) and National Cheng Kung University. “I realized teaching was
not really that bad, but I still wanted something more,” he said. Through career counseling, Dr. Carrásco
discovered the occupational therapy profession. He enrolled in the occupational therapy program at the
University of the Philippines. “In occupational therapy school, my life experiences were appreciated by
faculty,” he said. Dr. Carrásco was offered a teaching assistant position and he began teaching his
classmates. “I realized that I was meant to be a teacher,” he said. In 1978, Dr. Carrásco earned a Bachelor
of Science degree in occupational therapy at the University of the Philippines. While in the program, he
connected with Dr. Jean Ayres. “We met shortly after Dr. Ayres published her first book,” said Dr.
Carrásco. “She served on my doctoral dissertation committee.”
In 1982, Dr. Carrásco earned a Master of Science degree in education with an emphasis on
creativity and special education of the gifted and talented. Dr. Carrásco went on to complete a fellowship
at the United Nations. He was invited by the Surgeon General to teach for DoDDS Europe and received a
royal invitation to serve at the first International Pediatric Rehabilitation Conference in Saudi Arabia. Dr.

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DOI: 10.15453/2168-6408.1918 2
 Fortuna: Ikebana: An ancient tradition of contemporary healing and artful practice

Carrásco enjoyed his clinical experiences, but wanted to do more. In 1983, he transitioned to academia as
an assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at The Medical College of Georgia,
known today as Georgia Regents University. Dr. Carrásco also served as fieldwork coordinator and
program chair. In 1990, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology with concentrations in
neuropsychology and occupational dysfunction. Over the next decade, Dr. Carrásco continued teaching
and clinical practice as an occupational therapist and developmental neuropsychologist. In 2011 Dr.
Carrásco was recruited for the role of Founding Chair of the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy
(OTD) program at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). He remains in this role today.
Dr. Carrásco has made substantial Figure 3
contributions to the occupational therapy “Chabana” (2021) by Dr. Ricardo Carrásco
profession. His scholarly activities include several
peer-reviewed publications, books, and invited
presentations. Dr. Carrásco has served for
numerous local, state, national, and international
organizations. The American Occupational
Therapy Association (AOTA) has recognized Dr.
Carrásco’s leadership and contributions with
prestigious awards, including an invitation to join
the Roster of Fellows and the Award of Merit.
Throughout his eventful career, Dr. Carrásco
remained devoted to the art of ikebana. “Chabana”
(see Figure 3) is an ikebana design made from a
single large Marigold, a sprig of Brazilian pepper,
and Podocarpus in a small vintage container. The
composition sits on top of a vintage double stand.
Hand-shaped mud men provide perspective and
proportion. Cha (tea) bana (flower) arrangements
are typically small in proportion for tea table
ceremonies.
For Dr. Carrásco, ikebana is the discipline
and practice of mindful and contemplative activity.
“It brings a close connection to nature and puts meaning into everything you do,” he said. “Ikebana is an
expression of spiritual creativity.” Dr. Carrásco views the interaction between mindfulness and nature as
part of being spiritual. “It’s about communication, connection with nature, and reflecting what nature
brings to your life,” he said. “Even thinking about the process puts me into a mode of contemplation and
calms me down.” Dr. Carrásco has traveled the world teaching ikebana to others. In 2009, Dr. Carrásco
created a hashibana uate, or upright and narrow design, during a live demonstration for the Bamni Shofu
Memorial Retreat (see Figure 4). He has led demonstrations in Japan, at the Epcot International Flower
and Garden Festival, and for private organizations. During his demonstrations, Dr. Carrásco often gets
feedback from the members of the audience. “People approach me afterwards, often emotional, saying it
relaxed them and they connected with what I was doing,” he said. On one occasion, Dr. Carrásco talked
about flowers as a meaningful occupation. A woman waited until everyone left to approach him. “She

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 The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol. 9, Iss. 3 [2021], Art. 16

wanted to let me know she was very anxious due Figure 4

to personal reasons, but watching me create the Dr. Ricardo Carrásco (2009)
designs totally calmed her down,” he said. “I
encouraged the woman to practice ikebana on her
own.”
Nearly 50 years after the first ikebana
lessons from Banmi, Dr. Carrásco maintained a
close relationship with his sensei. “I still have the
containers from my lessons in Taiwan,” he said. In
2008, Dr. Carrásco was called to Banmi’s death
bed. At the time, she was living in Hawaii. Dr.
Carrásco traveled there as quickly as he could.
When he arrived, Banmi was saying goodbye to
everyone. “Her dying wish was for me to take over
the school,” said Dr. Carrásco. “I was not
expecting this.” Over the next 5 years, he
channeled Banmi and made changes to the school.
“I was just an assistant to Banmi before,” he said.
“I had to watch videos of other sensei to learn what
to do, not only in arranging flowers, but to properly dress in full kimono before a demonstration.” Dr.
Carrásco had to learn strict protocols. “You are not supposed to let the kimono touch the ground when
getting dressed,” he said. At a Buddhist temple, one of Dr. Carrásco’s Japanese deshi, or students, gave
him a furoshiki to stand on. In Japanese culture, a furoshiki is a piece of fabric used to wrap items such as
gifts. Dr. Carrásco’s furoshiki has red edges within which his kimono must stay. He tucks the bottom
section of the kimono into the obi, or belt, to keep it from touching the floor. Geta, or traditional Japanese
shoes, add an additional height and layer of protection.
Dr. Carrásco has many fond memories of his time learning ikebana from Banmi. He describes their
relationship as fictive. “When you cannot pass something on to a blood relative, you use fictive kinship,”
he said. Banmi picked Dr. Carrásco to be the headmaster of the Banmi Shofu Ryu school of ikebana
because of the kinship between them. “Banmi introduced me as her kin for over 50 years,” said Dr.
Carrásco. “I did not realize until her death that I had not given a name to our relationship until I read a
book in anthropology on learning through apprenticeship.” When Banmi passed away, Dr. Carrásco
inherited all of her containers and driftwood that had been passed down from generations of sensei. “In
ikebana, driftwood is historical and spiritual,” said Dr. Carrásco. Heirloom driftwood is a hallmark of
Banmi Shofu Ryu ikebana design. “Hashibana Saba” (see Figure 5) is an ikebana design made from
Stargazer lilies, yarrow, Podocarpus branches, and heirloom bamboo driftwood. Hashibana saba translates
to flower bridge of a low horizontal format. Dr. Carrásco created hashibana as required by ikebana
tradition for a new iemoto, or headmaster, to introduce a design element at the school.
Dr. Carrásco recognizes an inevitable infusion between ikebana and his teaching, scholarship, and
service. He supervises the teaching of an ikebana class for occupational therapy students in the NSU OTD
program. “Students receive their supplies consisting of flowers, driftwood, line materials, tools, and
containers and learn ikebana for two days,” he said. Dr. Carrásco is currently leading a research project
on the effects of ikebana on anxiety and cortisol levels in students. He has written two books on ikebana

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DOI: 10.15453/2168-6408.1918 4
 Fortuna: Ikebana: An ancient tradition of contemporary healing and artful practice

that are currently being finalized. Dr. Carrásco Figure 5

included essays about what occupation is, why “Hashibana Saba” (2021) by Dr. Ricardo Carrásco
ikebana is a purposeful occupation, and what it
means to purposely arrange flowers. He engages in
service through demonstrations in the community
and for international ikebana chapters. Dr.
Carrásco plans to represent Banmi Shofu Ryu at
regional conferences and world conventions in the
near future. In addition, he is training an ikebana
sensei to evolve to higher levels (e.g., apprentice to
professor) and is developing a curriculum for
sensei to use as a guide. “Right now, it is too
technical and complicated for most to use,” he said.
“I want to translate so it can be understood by
anyone.”
Dr. Ricardo Carrásco shares his story from
a sense of duty and obligation to preserve ikebana
as an ancient tradition of contemporary healing and
artful practice. Flowers are part of Dr. Carrásco’s
art, spirituality, and life. Engaging in ikebana
induces feelings of mindfulness and relaxation. As
an occupational scientist, therapist, and educator,
ikebana informs Dr. Carrásco’s teaching, scholarship, and service. For Dr. Carrásco, ikebana is the
common thread that has enriched his life and practice. “As I go through the week, ikebana is always on
my mind,” he said. “Everything evolves around ikebana.”

View more of Dr. Ricardo Carrásco’s ikebana arrangements in the OJOT Gallery

Watch a video demonstration of:

Banmi Shofu Ryu of Ikebana

Visit the website:

Banmi Shofu Ryu of Ikebana Traditions

Learn more about:

Banmi Shofu Ryu

Reference
Banmi Shofu Ryu of Ikebana. (2019). Brief history of ikebana. https://ikebanabanmishofu.com/about-us

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