KODO CEREMONIE
GEURRITUEEL UIT JAPAN
In the fall of 2023, I spent more than 6 weeks in Japan and South Korea, where I had several fragrant encounters. For example, in South Korea I worked as an artist in residence on the exploration of the cultural fragrant heritage of Jeju Island, where my fragrant art was also exhibited. Japan made a huge impression with its multitude of fragrant rituals. Now, back in the Netherlands, these experiences are taking shape one by one.
The first of these is the Japanese KODO ceremony.
Last March Kim-Lian van der Meij visited me for the KRO-NCRV program 'Zin in morgen' and I took her into the world of scents. In an intimate setting we also performed the KODO ceremony. Curious?
The program Zin in morgen can be seen on NPO2 (season 4, episode 13).
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About the KODO ceremony
The ceremony is based on my experiences with the special Kodo ceremony in Japan. Kodo means 'listening to scent'. It is a traditional Japanese scent game from the 15th century that is only practiced by a few masters. In Nara, Japan, I was able to learn a lot about this from Kodo Master Terada san, which I would like to share with you.
The KODO ceremony is a relaxed way of experiencing scent. This takes place as a scent ritual in the form of a riddle, in which curiosity about the scents smelled is the most important thing. During the ritual, we therefore approach the scents with an 'empty mind' as much as possible, without judgment. We go through various ceremonial actions and re-enact the scent riddle together. It is a simplified version, but it gives a good impression of the ceremony. Afterward, there is an opportunity to share our experiences while enjoying a cup of Japanese Soba tea.
We start the afternoon with a short instruction and explanation of the ceremonial actions. Then follows the ceremony, in meditative silence. We end with an explanation of the smelled scents, their effects on the body and mind, the history of the Kodo ceremony, and we talk about our own experiences.
Our Japanese ceremonial space has taken shape.
The space is equipped with traditional Japanese tatami mats. These durable mats are made of rice straw and covered with silky rush grass, which makes the floor feel pleasantly warm. During the ceremony, we sit on the floor in the formal 'seiza' style (kneeling). This devout Japanese posture is an important part of the ceremony, we bow quite a bit and also the indication of the Kiki-gōro (the incense burner) can be done in the correct way. You can sink next to your bottom between the ceremonial acts, which makes it easier to do. If you find it difficult to sit on the floor: bring a (meditation) cushion. If you have specific physical complaints with sitting, please email me and we will see what is possible.
In any case, we wear white socks. And if you like, you can also come in (Japanese) style, but that is not necessary.
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Dates:
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Saturday afternoon May 3, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (FULL)
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Saturday afternoon June 7, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (FULL)
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Saturday afternoon August 23, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (4 places still available)
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On request: KODO ceremony with your own group
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Location: Minister Hartsenlaan 3, Hilversum
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Easily accessible by public transport: 8 minutes walking distance from the station
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Parking garage 100 meters away
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Participation: €49 per person
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Reservations on a first-come, first-served basis