The practice of Kado, or the Way of Flowers, originated in China over 2,000 years ago. Flowers in this case represent the entire rainbow of livings plants from the smallest delicate expressions to large mighty trees. The practice was eventually adopted in Japan, where its name changed to “ikebana”, meaning “living flowers”.

The ultimate goal of Kado-Ikebana is not to make pleasant flower arrangements, but to expand our heart/mind, be in each moment, work with obstacles and develop a deep appreciation for the living world, the self, others and all life. In Kado, we learn to engage with the ancient principle of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity that we can witness in the unfolding of life. By sensing this natural hierarchy, our life and art become more liberated and joyful. 

Meditation practice is the ground of Kado, as it helps us to gain an understanding of the obstacles we encounter. Participants will be given basic instruction in meditation practice.

Click here to listen to Maria Shibata and Kado participants.

Material 

All material is provided for students. This includes the material and all necessary containers, etc. If you have your own cutters, please bring them to the programme.

Please note that a €20 flower fee is not included in the price of the retreat.

Practical Information

All students attending this programme will be met at the level of skill and understanding that they enter with, whether they are beginners or persons with some experience.

Arrival day: Thursday May 1, between 8.30 and 9.00 am. The programme starts at 9.15 am.

You may also arrive the night before, on Wednesday 30 April from 5 pm, in which case please specify this by email to: [email protected]

End of programme: Friday 2 May at 6 pm

This programme is taught in English and will be translated into French. Requests for interpretation in other languages must be made at least two months in advance and confirmed (please indicate your request for interpretation on the registration page).

Programme price

Regular150 €
Patron258 €Help support lower income participants
Early Bird128 €Expires 1 February 2025
Under 30 years of age75 €

If you require financial assistance to attend this programme please contact [email protected].

Accommodation and food

Full board60 € *

* includes standard accommodation and all meals.

Price information

  • Regular: this is the regular price for participating in the programme. Occasionaly (if specified in the programme description), there may be an additional fee for materials, to be paid upon arrival.
  • Patron: for those who can offer more than the regular price, your generosity in paying the Patron Price helps cover the costs for others who are not able to pay the full programme price and provides support to Dechen Chöling.
  • Early Bird: 15% discount on the regular programme price is possible only if you register and pay the total cost of your stay upfront, 3 months prior to the start of the programme, i.e. before 1 February 2025.
  • Under 30 years of age: 50% reduction on the regular programme price for persons under 30 years at the start of the programme.

Accommodation: the standard accommodation we provide is in a dormitory for the winter and a furnished two-person tent in the summer. Extra fees for room upgrades can be paid upon arrival. Additionally, room tax will be charged at 0.20 € per person, per night.

See the full price list

Note: participation in any programme offered by the association of Dechen Chöling requires you to be up-to-date with the association’s annual fee (15 €), which can be settled upon arrival.