ISS Logo

The International Shakuhachi Society

- Yumiyawata -



Home

Schools

Discography

Lineage Charts

Pieces

People

Glossary

Other Sites

Teachers

Governors

For Sale

Member's Area

Search komuso.com

This is a Sokyoku piece from the Yamada Ryű school . This piece was composed for koto by Yamada Kengyo .

History (from Tsuge Gen'ichi)
Yumiyawata is a short congratulatory piece often performed by beginners of the Yamada School koto. Its text is taken almost intact from a short section of the no play, Yumiyawata, which praises the Great Bodhisattva Hachiman. Yumiyawata, literally meaning 'Bow-arrow-banner,' is an alternative name of Hachiman. 'The Great Hachiman' in this song actually refers to the deity which is worshipped at the Iwashimizu-Hachiman Shrine on Mt. Otoko in the suburbs of Kyoto.

Poem (translated by Tsuge Gen'ichi)
Over the Peak of Doves on Mt. Otoko
Branches of the venerable pine trees
Intertwine in peace.
Here is worshipped
The Great Hachiman,
Protector of our
Unclouded realm.
Into the light
Of his radiant mercy
We come to pray
For an everlasting reign.
We advance with humility
Into his glorious presence
We advance with humility
Into his glorious presence.


Send feedback and corrections.

Copyright 2007 - The International Shakuhachi Society
This information on this page may not be copied for commercial use.