We will have a presentation of baika songs and their singing style by Rev. Monen Ishikawa, a Soto priest who is a specialist in baika. Two priests will accompany him: Rev. Gyokei Yokoyama, who visited the zendo a couple of years ago and who will translate for Rev. Ishikawa, and Rev. Daikei Satake, who works in Los Angeles for the Japanese Soto School.
Baika are Japanese Buddhist songs that are sung in Soto Zen temples in Japan, usually by groups of lay members. The songs have simple lyrics sung in a traditional and distinctive melodic style that is hauntingly beautiful. The songs are meditative and aim to create a sense of peace and calm. The singers usually accompany themselves with just a simple bell and gong.
Through chanting these hymns, practitioners study the teachings of the Buddha (Shakyamuni), as well as the founding teachers of the Sōtō Zen tradition, Dōgen Zenji and Keizan Zenji. Based on a spirit of vow and commitment, Baika-ryū is not only about chanting but also about putting these teachings into practice in daily life.
People gather at temples that have baika groups to do this devotional practice together and to enjoy companionship along with devotion and music. By coming together, participants wish for each other’s happiness, support one another through suffering and difficulties, and encourage one another in a spirit of harmony. In this way, they aspire to live bright, compassionate, and meaningful lives together.
Both our head priest, Kathryn, and our abiding teacher, Jisho, experienced this style of Zen singing when they practiced in Japan and found it to be deeply moving, an interesting and refreshing contrast from our normal chanting.
All are welcome!
