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Komuso Buddhist monks, Japan
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Komuso Buddhist monks, Japan
Komuso Buddhist monks, Japan. They wear a straw basket (tengai) over their head and play a bamboo flute (shakuhachi). Date: circa 1890s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14130356
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
Bamboo Begging Beliefs Buddhism Buddhist Flute Instrument Meditation Mendicant Monk Monks Straw Komuso Musical Shakuhachi Tengai
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a group of Komuso Buddhist monks from Japan in the late 19th century. The monks, dressed in traditional robes and wearing a distinctive straw basket (tengai) over their heads, are deeply engrossed in their spiritual practices. One monk plays the haunting melody of a bamboo flute (shakuhachi), adding to the serene atmosphere. Komuso monks were a unique sect of Buddhism in Japan, known for their mendicant lifestyle. They relied on begging for their livelihood and were renowned for their meditation practices, often performing them in public to demonstrate their spiritual attainment. The straw basket served as both a protective covering for their shaved heads and a symbol of their humility and simplicity. The photograph, taken in the 1890s, offers a glimpse into the past, providing a window into the beliefs and practices of this intriguing religious order. The monks' focused expressions and the peaceful street scene behind them create a striking contrast between the tranquility of their spiritual world and the bustling activity of urban Japan during this period. This vintage photograph, with its rich history and cultural significance, is an essential addition to any collection of Asian art, history, or religious studies. The Komuso monks' enduring legacy continues to inspire and captivate us, reminding us of the power of spiritual devotion and the importance of living a simple, mindful life.
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