Part of the Matheson Trust Sacred Audio Collection
Mukaiji, “Flute on misty sea”, is treasured as one of the “three traditional masterpieces” in the repertoire of Fuke-shu, a Zen denomination in which sound and music stand at the very center of religious and meditative practice. It is also one of a few “uncreated” pieces received as inspiration by a master.
Mukaiji played by Yoshio Kurahashi
or click here to watch the original video.
Mukaiji played by Alcvin Ryzen Ramos
Click here to download – 7:50 (9.4MB)or click here to watch the original video.
Here is a link to a historical article on the developement of Fuke-shu and the komuso or wandering flute-playing beggars.
If asked where he was going, the komuso was to reply, “There is no place wherein to dwell,” or “Whatever direction or quarter.”
It seems to be that boroboro monks did not exist in former times… They are without any self-restriction and break their vows shamelessly, but they take death lightly and do not engulf in vain deploration… they did neither look like monks nor like laypeople. They wore a sword (katana), blew the shakuhachi, had a straw mat on their back, wandered in the streets, stood in front of people’s doors and begged.
Article originally published as “Shakuhachi Zen. The Fukeshi and Komuso.” Monumenta Nipponica 32 (1977). See also the pages of the International Shakuhachi Society. With thanks to Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos.
