Japan: A komuso or mendicant Buddhist monk in Kita-Kamakura, April 2008

The komusō (虚無僧 komusō, Hiragana こむそう; also romanized komusou or komuso) were a group of Japanese mendicant monks of the Fuke school of Zen Buddhism who flourished during the Edo period of 1600-1868.

Komusō were characterized by a straw basket (a sedge or reed hood named a tengai or tengui) worn on the head, manifesting the absence of specific ego. They were also known for playing solo pieces on the shakuhachi (a type of Japanese bamboo flute). These pieces, called honkyoku ('original pieces') were played during a meditative practice called suizen, for alms, as a method of attaining enlightenment, and as a healing modality.

The Japanese government introduced reforms after the Edo period, abolishing the Fuke sect. Records of the musical repertoire survived, and are being revived in the 21st century.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Tarourashima

Credit:

Pictures From History