Juzu beads

[Ryumon]

I know from previous discussions here that juzu beads are not a thing in Soto zen. I'm learning the shakuhachi, and some performers in videos I've seen wear a rakusu when performing, and I've even seen a couple wearing juzu beads, such as Kifu Mitsuhashi here:

Screen Shot 2019-05-14 at 4.42.39 PM.jpg

He's also got beads around his wrist.

I haven't found anything about him to say which flavor of zen he's involved in, but from his garb, does he look like a Soto practitioner?

Kirk

Sat today

[ESMP]

Hi kirkmc!

Hard to say from that pic alone, but judging by the rakusu style and what seem to be small logos on the sleeves, I would say it is more like Jodo Shinshu's wisteria logo. See pic below:

cmn_footerlogo.jpg

Also, I'm no expert on juzu, but traditionally, the Soto Zen ones have a small metal ring on them, like this:

jyu-s233_1_w360.jpg

But it's hard to say because he covers the one on the neck with his hands, and those on his wrist look like generic juzu beads.

Cheers!

[Jundo]

i looked at several pages in Japanese with his biography, but i cannot see where he received Jukai. However, the Rakusu is more in a formal, and very fancy, Rinzai style. The beads are also large. However, the Shakuhachil folks may also bestow Rakusu wilthin the Shakuhachi lineages. l am not sure.

The mon on his haori is probably his own family crest, or his school of Shakuhachi, rather than Buddhist.

Gassho, J

STLah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ6PfmLi5x8

[Jundo]

Also, I'm no expert on juzu, but traditionally, the Soto Zen ones have a small metal ring on them, like this:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5655[/ATTACH]

That is true. However, average Japanese don't tend to follow such sect distinctions these days, and tend to wear a generic Juzu. Most lay people wear them just for funerals and memorial services for the ancestors, or (as in the one on his wrist made of some crystal) as a protective amulet for the "power."

Gassho, J

STLah

[Jundo]

PS - The family crest on his robes look like the one for Jodo Shinshu, but is different if you look closely. Actually, there are many many that look similar except for tiny differences ...

http://www.hari-kamon.com/plant/Page/FUJI/index.html

[Kokuu]

Hi Kirk

I have no idea about the rakusu or lineage but interesting that you are learning the shakuhachi! How are you finding it?

Some years ago, I had a sick day on a retreat and spent the time in bed reading a short book I found in the library. It was about an English guy who learned to play the shakuhachi through an accidental meeting with a Japanese master. I really enjoyed it and it was especially interesting about how part of learning was building up his lung capacity and stamina through running up hills!

You may know it already - Blowing Zen (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/...16-blowing-zen).

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday-

[Ryumon]

Kokuu,

Yes, I've read that book. It's quite interesting.

I had long been fascinated by the sound of the shakuhachi, and started playing a bit more than a year ago. It's not easy, but it's a fascinating instrument. What I really like is the way it connects my body and my breath, and becomes all-encompassing. I'm still at the very early stages, but it's taught me a lot about frustration, expectations, and the slow, gradual path of learning.

Gasho,

Kirk

sat

[Kotei]

Hi Kirk,

I've seen a very similar Rakusu worn by a Ukrainian Shakplayer, named Un Ryuu (雲龍)
He received his Rakusu from his Meian (Myoan) style teacher Ejun Lechika from a Rinzai lineage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfwk00Y3l84

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

[Meitou]

Kokuu,

Yes, I've read that book. It's quite interesting.

I had long been fascinated by the sound of the shakuhachi, and started playing a bit more than a year ago. It's not easy, but it's a fascinating instrument. What I really like is the way it connects my body and my breath, and becomes all-encompassing. I'm still at the very early stages, but it's taught me a lot about frustration, expectations, and the slow, gradual path of learning.

Gasho,

Kirk

sat

Hi Kirk, are you teaching yourself or have you found a teacher? Such a beautiful instrument, keep us up to date with your progress. I'm going to take a look at the book Kokuu mentioned.
Gassho
Meitou
Satwithyoualltoday lah

[Meian]

Hi kirkmc!

Hard to say from that pic alone, but judging by the rakusu style and what seem to be small logos on the sleeves, I would say it is more like Jodo Shinshu's wisteria logo. See pic below:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5654[/ATTACH]

Also, I'm no expert on juzu, but traditionally, the Soto Zen ones have a small metal ring on them, like this:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5655[/ATTACH]

But it's hard to say because he covers the one on the neck with his hands, and those on his wrist look like generic juzu beads.

Cheers!

What is the difference between Juzu versus mala beads, or are they different names for the same concept?

gassho
kim
st

[Ryumon]

I have a teacher. There are a number of people who teach via Skype. My teacher is in Denmark.

I've made a small website about my journey, though I haven't posted in a while;

https://www.honkyoku.com

Gassho,

Kirk

sat

[Junkyo]

What is the difference between Juzu versus mala beads, or are they different names for the same concept?

gassho
kim
st

Hi Kim!

Juzu is the Japanese word for mala if I remember correctly. There are several different styles and bead numbers, although 108 is the more common. You may also encounter it as Nenju in Japanese. I don't remember if there is a difference between Nenju and Juzu. Perhaps Jundo could elaborate on that.

Here are pictures of both my 108 bead mala and my smaller Juzu (Commonly used in Jodo Shinshu) I began my journey in the Shin school before gradually migrating toward Zen!



Gassho,
Junkyo
SAT

Sent from my SM-G955W using Tapatalk

[Jundo]

What is the difference between Juzu versus mala beads, or are they different names for the same concept?

gassho
kim
st

Yes, Juzu is just the Japanese name, same as the Catholic prayer beads, by the way, on the other side of the silk road. All the nerve endings in the finger tips are hypnotic.

Here is more information than you probably want or need, from a recent thread.

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?16879-Zen-and-Mala&p=239026&viewfull=1#post239026

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

[Meian]

Yes, Juzu is just the Japanese name, same as the Catholic prayer beads, by the way, on the other side of the silk road. All the nerve endings in the finger tips are hypnotic.

Here is more information than you probably want or need, from a recent thread.

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?16879-Zen-and-Mala&p=239026&viewfull=1#post239026

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

To the contrary, Jundo -- as we say in autism world, this (prayer beads and related sacramentals) is one of my "special interest" topics I even have dorje's for my beads -- for the Tibetan tradition, but I do tend to collect these items.

You have given me a link to a wealth of information to explore and enjoy; I love topics like this. It's another reason why monasteries and temples fascinate me.

Much appreciated.

gassho
kim
st. lh

[dylank91]

Hello!

I have a question that I feel fits in this discussion. If not, please don't hesitate to point me in the right direction!

I know that the Heart Sutra has a mantra within its text, and I've read several accounts of profound impacts it can have on people who chant it regularly. How does one in the Soto tradition chant mantras? Is it radically different than using a mala to count repetitions?

Gassho,

Dylan
Sat today