Periodically we have an occasion to present shōmyō at Tendai Buddhist Institute. This is a form of classical chanting sutra and other sacred works in Japanese Buddhism, especially among Tendai and Shingon lineages. Boasting a history of more than 1,200 years shōmyō ranks among the world’s oldest continually performed musical forms.
I won’t discuss the specifics of it now. Look for such a discussion during the Wednesday weekly gathering sometime in the near future.
My appreciation of shōmyō has grown enormously in the 35 years since I was first exposed to it while living in Japan. I was thinking about this recently. When practicing, as well as listening, it seems the sound seeps into and transforms the very molecular structure of the body
In October 2006, the Jigyodan (Tendai International Charitable Foundation) came to the States with approximately 30 monks from Japan to perform a magnificent shōmyō concert at Cathedral St. John the Divine in New York City and at Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington Massachusetts. The concert at the cathedral was cosponsored by Tricycle Magazine. Both venues were very well attended.
I was thinking about this when I remembered a member of the audience, Troy Porter, was so moved by it that he later wrote a poem and sent it to me. He offered it to us as an expression of his profound experience at that time.
I would like to share it with you in this Shingi.
Awakening
The sound of a million voices
Traveling through time and space, over land and sea, civilization and culture
To embrace every living organism.
The chant for life fills my ears.
The spiritual energy hatches me
From my shell and into a world that is endless and serene.
It is the sight of a million stars being born
Before my eyes and showering me
With a blanket of eternal bliss.
The Sound pulls my ear
And enters my body
Like the soft wind brushing by.
It is pure like spring water,
Washing over my heart and
Opening it like a flower.
Every heartbeat is like an earthquake
Pulsing shockwaves to the depths of my soul.
The energy of life vibrates in my core.
It is a sound so peaceful, yet so powerful.
It is as natural as the Sun rising and
As beautiful as new life.
by Troy Porter
During the very busy days of the last few months, I enjoy taking a respite from my packed schedule by remembering such sweet experiences. Enjoy the warmth and long days of summer.
Gassho and Love . . . Monshin