Wasan (和讃) are a type of Japanese Buddhist hymn composed in native Japanese language (wago).[1] The word is meant to distinguish Japanese hymns from those composed in Sanskrit (bonsan 梵讃) or Chinese (kansan 漢讃).[1] These works sing of the teachings and deeds of buddhas, bodhisattvas and soshi (the founders of schools of monks).[2] They are composed in verses of alternating seven and five syllables, with each hymn consisting of four or more such verses.[2] They were composed from the addition of a melody to a Buddhist service (法会 hōe) or teaching (教化 kyōke),[1] and became popular starting in the Heian period.[2] These hymns in colloquial Japanese played an important part in the spread of Buddhism throughout Japan and among the members of the lower classes.[1] The Fusō Ryakki includes a hymn composed by Gyōki extolling the virtues of the Buddhist dharma, which is a valuable tool for understanding the function of wasan.[1] Wasan fell out of popularity during the Edo period.[3]

See also

References

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Kitanishi 2001.
  2. 1 2 3 Kitanishi 2001; MyPaedia 2015.
  3. ↑ MyPaedia 2015.

Works cited

  • Kitanishi, Hiromu (2001). "Wasan" 和讃. Encyclopedia Nipponica (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Retrieved 2018-12-30.
  • "Wasan" 和讃. MyPaedia (in Japanese). Heibonsha. 2015. Retrieved 2018-12-30.
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