Honkyoku Up Close: Kadotsuke (NEZASAHA)

“Kadotsuke“ section is related to a specific practice. Many times, people in Buddhist households would ask a komuso to participate in memorial services for the passing of a spirit into its next incarnation. The komuso would not only take part in the memorial, but would also take the illnesses or problems of the Buddhist family for which he was playing upon himself. This was part of the practice of suppression of the ego, and related to the reason the basket was worn. A Kadotsuke was played with the priest standing at the entrance gate, which is called a Kado, and it was also known as Enmei or “longevity.“ Kanon No Kyoku is related to the Buddha of Longevity. The associated Chinese text praises Kanzeon, also known as “Kannon,“ or “Kwan Yin,“ the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Perhaps the implication is that showing mercy would cause one to be granted a long life. A monk might also play a Kadotsuke outside a shop or residence if he believed potential donors were within. It has been suggested that playing in the high register helped to ensure that the monk’s presence was noted, as high sounds carry further, both indoors and outdoors.” ~International Shakuhachi Society This Nezasaha honkyoku was played on a Neptune jinashi 2.0 Shakuhachi. For information about private lessons please check out my website!