The Music of Heaven

First Published: April, 1994 by Mirage Publishing

• Miyamoto Usagi
• Omori Kazan
• Shi

Komuso

One of the more unusual sights in feudal Japan was the komuso - the monks of emptiness - of the Fuke-shu, a sect of Zen Buddhism. The origins of the komuso are something of a mystery, though they can trace their start to wandering priests in China and Southeast Asia.

The traditional dress of the komuso was a dark blue or black kimono, a kesa worn over the left shoulder and a tengai basket-hat that entirely covered the head. The tengai symbolized their detachment from life and was made of tightly woven reeds everywhere except in front of the eyes so that the wearer could see the world but not be seen by it.

During the Tokugawa Shogunate (1615-1868), they were given official protection by the government and in return they became spies and informers for the oppressive regime. In addition, it was easy for ronin and bandits to adopt the disguise of the komuso for their own purposes and the sect was soon looked upon with suspicion.

The Fuke sect was dissolved during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912) but its traditions have been revived in recent years.

The primary discipline of the komuso was the playing of the shakuhachi, an end-blown bamboo flute that came to Japan from China in the late 6th century. It is thought that its melancholy sounds echo the Japanese feelings of the fleetingness of life.

Besides being a musical instrument, the shakuhachi could also be used as a club. True, the komuso did carry a sword, but it was kept in a cloth bag tied with the two cords symbolizing the principles of yin and yang, the duo forces of the universe. The drawing of the sword and its use were complicated by rituals that at times made the shakuhachi the preferred weapon.

- STAN SAKAI

Usagi, followed by the lizard pack, and a possible other, encounters a komuso (Monk of emptiness) who invites him to stay the evening. The komuso tells Usagi of the 3 kinds of music: The music of mortals, which he plays with his Shakuhachi, the Music of Nature, which is the soul of the land, and the music of Heaven, which he strains to hear.

The next morning, the komuso returns, and attacks Usagi. In reality, it is the surviving member of 'Shi' (Issue #5). Usagi defeats the assassin, and finds the komuso mortally wounded. Just before he passes away, there are the faint sounds of music. The lizards remain at the grave, while Usagi leaves, taking his Shakuhachi to the temple.

Last change: 19. May 2003

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Usagi Yojimbo, including all prominent characters featured in the stories and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Stan Sakai and Usagi Studios. Usagi Yojimbo is a registered trademark of Stan Sakai. Names, characters, places, and incidents featured in this publication either are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead), events, institutions, or locales, without satiric content, is coincidental.