Sunday, July 29, 2012

Komuso “Basket” Monks


 

(oldworldwandering)

Komuso “Basket” Monks:

A komusō was a Japanese monk during the Edo period. Komusō were characterized by the straw basket (tengai) worn on the head, manifesting the absence of specific ego. They are also known for playing solo pieces on the shakuhachi flute. The Japanese government introduced reforms after the Edo period, abolishing the sect. Komusō means ”priest of nothingness” or “monk of emptiness”.

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