Zen Buddhist monasteries in
Japan, use fish drums (mokugyo) to keep time while chanting religious texts.
The sound also helps keep meditators alert, so has been called “the wakeful
drum.” The fish is a symbol of
wakefulness as fish never close their eyes, even when sleeping. A slow beating of the drums also accompanies
funeral processions.
The drum is hollow and has a
handle on top which is carved to resemble fins. Fish scales are hand-carved on
the body. An inscription painted on it reads,
“Donated by Oono Hisakazu as an offering of thanks for granting my wish.” It is common in Buddhism for lay petitioners
to ask deities for help or a boon during times of need. If the requested outcome occurs, then it is
customary to proffer thanks by making a gift to a local monastery.
In Korea, the Buddhist
monasteries use copper or brass cymbals to mark time and expel evil
spirits. The two cymbals are tied
together by means of an “auspicious knot.”
By
Martha Fraundorf, Volunteer for Benton County Historical Society, Philomath,
Oregon
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