Komusō

The Komusō (虚無僧) were a mendicant order of Japanese Zen Buddhist monks characterized by their practice of playing the shakuhachi flute. They existed from the Edo period (1600-1868) until the Meiji Restoration (1868), when the order was disbanded.

Origins and History:

The Komusō order traced its lineage to the Fuke sect of Zen Buddhism. Legend states that the sect was founded by a Chinese Buddhist monk named Puhua (Fuke in Japanese), who was known for his unconventional behavior and use of bells as a form of practice. The direct connection to Puhua is debated, with some scholars suggesting the Fuke sect emerged later in Japan.

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate granted the Komusō certain privileges, including the right to travel freely throughout the country and to play the shakuhachi. These privileges made the Komusō order an attractive option for ronin (masterless samurai), spies, and others who sought anonymity or a means of traveling undetected.

The Komusō wore a distinctive basket-like hat called a tengai (天蓋) that completely covered their face, symbolizing a detachment from the world and ego. This anonymity made them difficult to identify, contributing to the order's association with espionage and intrigue in popular culture.

Practices:

The central practice of the Komusō was suizen (吹禅), or "blowing Zen," using the shakuhachi as a form of meditation. The complex melodies and precise breathing required for shakuhachi playing were intended to lead the player to a state of enlightenment. The shakuhachi itself was considered a sacred object, not merely a musical instrument.

Komusō traveled throughout Japan, begging for alms and performing suizen. They were often associated with specific temples, although they were largely independent and practiced their discipline through wandering. They observed a strict code of conduct that included vows of poverty, chastity (although this was not always adhered to in practice), and obedience to the head of their temple.

Disbandment:

Following the Meiji Restoration, the new government abolished the Fuke sect and disbanded the Komusō order in 1871. The privileges granted to the Komusō were seen as a vestige of the feudal past. The government also suspected the order of harboring former samurai who opposed the new regime.

Despite the official disbandment, the tradition of shakuhachi playing and the practice of suizen survived. Modern shakuhachi players often trace their lineage back to the Komusō, and the music they played continues to be studied and performed today. The image of the Komusō, with their tengai hats and shakuhachi flutes, remains a potent symbol of Japanese spirituality and cultural history.