|
Jing Si Flower Arrangement adopts the religious view of Buddhist Tzu Chi Jing Si Dharma lineage to enhance the aesthetics of daily life and elevate the truthfulness, kindness, and beauty of the mind with the art of flower arrangement. Based on the content of Jing Si Flower Arrangement, this study aims to integrate the professional knowledge, related publications, practical experiences and skills of arranging flowers. In addition, it explores how Jing Si Flower Arrangement is incorporated into the curriculum of Tzu Chi humanities in Tzu Chi Education Mission system, Tzu Chi University continuing education centers, and Tzu Chi long-term care spots. Through the subtly influence of altruistic education, Jing Si Flower Arrangement serves to show the goal and direction for people on the path of Bodhisattva.
This research adopts two methods. The first is to review the literature on Jing Si Flower Arrangement: the historical origin, the humanistic purpose and teaching objectives, and the value and implication of traditional flower arranging art in Buddhism. The second is the field study and observation: the author participated in the "Jing Si Flower Arrangement" class offered by Tzu Chi University continuing education center to learn the theoretical aspect and the practical skills of Jing Si Flower Arrangement. She was also enrolled in the gardening team to put the learning into practice and observe how this art form was expressed in the interplay of “time, space and humanity.” The research focuses on the humanistic implication and humanistic practice of Jing Si Flower Arrangement.
It is expected that this study may serve to put the ideal of Tzu Chi Humanities into practice in life education, hoping that it may bring nourishments to the body, mind, and soul of the learners of Jing Si Flower Arrangement. Jing Si Flower Arrangement can be used to welcome guests, give blessings, adorn ashrams, and present the atmosphere of the "ground of joy" of the Ten Grounds of Bodhisattvas. Furthermore, it could be used to deliver Dharma, demonstrate the spirit of Tzu Chi lineage. Among many Buddhist approaches to attain enlightenment, it could be adopted as a convenient tool for people who embark on the path of bodhisattva to show the spirit of Jing Shi Dharma Linage, and acquaint people with the infinite Dharma of the Buddha's teachings that "one flower is one world, one leaf is one Tathagata", and" compassion, wisdom, will, action.” Jing Si Flower Arrangement demonstrates great love through flowers, and has the potential to bring forth profound influence on the society.
|