Komuso
Shakuhachi is an Art. Generally speaking, we define “Hohgaku”, the Japanese traditional music as the one of the time-honored oral music, comparing with “Yohgaku”, the Western music, which was introduced from European civilization. As for the Western music, it is important how beautiful and characteristic people express the melody, rhythm and harmony to give the listeners a good feeling. Moreover, it is also great point how deeply the players can input their hearts into the score and melody. These points make me think that the Western music is very artistic. Concerning the Japanese traditional music, there are Wabi (the beauty to be found in poverty and simplicity), Sabi (the elegant simplicity, similar to Wabi) and Ma (a pause, a sense of space) in it. These three time-honored techniques create “NOTHING”, when we listen to these music, we can be deeply impressed. Japanese entertainments, such as Judo, Kendo, Sado (tea ceremony), Kado (art of flower arrangement) and Butsudo (Buddhism) have something in common in that point. I also think the Japanese traditional music is great art, too. The instrument for the Western music is “ the perfect instrument”, whish is completely tuned to play from the music score exactly. On the contrary, Japanese traditional instrument, Shakuhachi would be played the scales with the skillful techniques called “ Meri, Kari, Kazashi”, etc. Shakuhachi has 5 holes on it (Gokou). From do to do, there are 13 scales in one octave in Shakuhachi world. (cf. 8 scales in one octave about the piano) In other words, Shakuhachi is very delicate “ imperfect instrument”. We need the sensitive auditory sense to play it. If you want to play Shkuhachi, the defective instrument perfectly, you have no choice but to practice it very hard day after day. The ultimate of the ascetic practices for Myoan-Komuso Shakuhachi leads to the core of “Zen”. When I lose myself in that world of delicate beauty, I can meet Buddha finally through Shakuhac
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Keywords: buddhism, japan, komuso, monk, music, musician, shakuhachi, shrine, temple, tradition
