The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan, China and Tibet
The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan, China and Tibet
The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan, China and Tibet
“The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, forgiveness.” -Dalai Lama
Music plays an important role in religion, significantly influencing the worship
practices of individuals who follow these faiths. As the music of a certain faith is influenced by the culture of a place, the music of certain peoples and places are influenced by the music of important religions that become deeply embedded in the culture. In this way, musical styles develop that are both religious and cultural, and are a reflection of both. This music is held in high regard by the people of these religions and cultures because it is the music that represents those aspects of life that are most precious. Culturally, music is a source of nationalist pride and unity for a group of people. Religiously, music reflects how followers worship their respective deities. In the
Buddhist practice, music and chants are used for meditation across the global span of the religion. However, different forms of music and chants are used in a variety of ways throughout religious practices. The music and different forms of chants in the Buddhist religion affect Buddhist practices, and are also influenced by the religion and the different locations around the world in which Buddhism is practiced. Japan, China, and
Tibet have the highest concentration of Buddhists and Buddhism is an integral part of the culture in these nations. In addition to Buddhism being reflected clearly in the cultures of Japan, China, and Tibet, each of these nations also has their own forms of prayer expressed through varying musical styles.
In order to further investigate the styles and forms of Buddhist music, a short
history of the religion will bring many of the elements of this cultural and religious music to light.
The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan, China and Tibet
“The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, forgiveness.” -Dalai Lama
Music plays an important role in religion, significantly influencing the worship
practices of individuals who follow these faiths. As the music of a certain faith is influenced by the culture of a place, the music of certain peoples and places are influenced by the music of important religions that become deeply embedded in the culture. In this way, musical styles develop that are both religious and cultural, and are a reflection of both. This music is held in high regard by the people of these religions and cultures because it is the music that represents those aspects of life that are most precious. Culturally, music is a source of nationalist pride and unity for a group of people. Religiously, music reflects how followers worship their respective deities. In the
Buddhist practice, music and chants are used for meditation across the global span of the religion. However, different forms of music and chants are used in a variety of ways throughout religious practices. The music and different forms of chants in the Buddhist religion affect Buddhist practices, and are also influenced by the religion and the different locations around the world in which Buddhism is practiced. Japan, China, and
Tibet have the highest concentration of Buddhists and Buddhism is an integral part of the culture in these nations. In addition to Buddhism being reflected clearly in the cultures of Japan, China, and Tibet, each of these nations also has their own forms of prayer expressed through varying musical styles.
In order to further investigate the styles and forms of Buddhist music, a short
history of the religion will bring many of the elements of this cultural and religious music to light.
Bibliography: Chen, Pi-yen. “Buddhist Chant, Devotional Song, and Commercial Popular Music: From Ritual to Rock Mantra”. Ethnomusicology, Vol. 49, No. 2 (Spring/Summer, 2005), pp. 266-286. University of Illinois. Ellingson, Terry. “The Technique of Chordal Singing in the Tibetan Style”. American Anthropologist, New Series, Vol. 72, No. 4 (Aug., 1970), pp. 826-831. Wiley. Hill, Jackson. “Ritual Music in Japanese Esoteric Buddhism: Shingon Shōmyō”. Ethnomusicology, Vol. 26, No. 1, 25th Anniversary Issue (Jan., 1982), pp. 27-39. University of Illinois. Mabbet, Ian W. “Buddhism and Music” Asian Music, Vol. 25, No. 1/2, 25th Anniversary Double Issue (1993 - 1994), pp. 9-28. University of Texas.