The Tokonoma of the Mind

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An Architecture of Reflection

It is believed that tokonoma
were interior Buddhist shrines
long ago, then later evolved 
into merely a secularized, 
decorative element. 

       In a traditional Japanese home there is usually a built-in, recessed alcove called a tokonoma.  Residents place items of heartfelt significance there for display.   This could include a scroll of calligraphy featuring poetry reflecting the seasons, reflecting a special occasion, a holiday or a milestone.

        Flower arrangements are often placed there, too.  They are viewed as statements reminding us of the temporal nature of life, urging us to be present and enjoy the moment before it withers away.  Temporal reality is considered "The Floating World," a river always flowing past us, all things ever-changing, all things impermanent.

        The architecture of a traditional Japanese home is considered a metaphor for the human body, with the tokonoma correlating to one's spirit or soul.  In considering the contents of the tokonoma, we are reminded to examine what we hold within our own spirits, as well.

        We're to examine what we've maintained in the tokonomas of our hearts and minds: are there good things there, bad things?   What have we allowed to blossom there, what plays like poetry to us there?   Which memories have we chosen to retain, which have we chosen to let drift away...and why?

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Examples of Tokonomas

A traditional tokonoma.  Though natural lighting is an important aesthetic 
in traditional Japanese homes such as this, sometimes an electrical back
light is installed somewhere within the tokonoma to highlight its contents, 
a spotlight of sorts.

A woman dressed in traditional clothing (kimono) arranging
flowers within the tokonoma.  The art of flower arrangement
is called, Ikebana, and at one point in Japan was compul-
sory education for girls (I doubt that's the case today).

I don't remember a time growing up when there wasn't a 
flower arrangement in our home.  My mom would use
flowers from her garden during the summer, and "found"
wild flowers during the winter.  I wrote poems about it in 
college.  It's something I'll never forget about my mom. 

A stunning doll collection displayed in a home's tokonoma area
 for the Hinamatsuri festival (aka "Girl's Day") held each March.
It is considered back luck not to put the display away immediately
after the holiday passes, despite its beauty and whatever enjoyment
it has brought.  The point is to not to dwell on the past.

An ultra-modern tokonoma in the city.  As traditional design 
principles are observed, unique innovation is also prized in 
tokonoma design.  What's important is that it works for the 
home dwellers.  Other modern ideas: 9 Elements of Asian Style 

An American mom in Pennsylvania with a
fondness for Japanese decor created this
tokonoma-like area in the home she shares
with her husband and two little boys.

My Tokonoma of Words

        I consider this blog a tokonoma of my own spirit, as I share here with you my thoughts and feelings about various matters Of the Soul.  It gets whacky sometimes, but I try my best.  So welcome, and I am glad to have you here. 







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Related resources:

The Mastery of Japanese Flower Arrangement
A Japanese Touch for Your Home
Tansu, a Japanese-style entertainment center TV cabinet
Japanese incense, Jinkoh Juzan Aloeswood (150 Sticks)
Japanese lamp w/window pane design (rosewood)