January 20, 2025
BuddhismQ&A
What is the Mokusho?
The Mokusho is a wooden drum used in Nichiren Shu. It is used to keep the tempo when chanting the sutra and the Odaimoku. Generally, it has a round shape, but some are square. The inside of the Mokusho is hollowed to create a pleasant sound when struck with a wooden stick.
The Mokusho was first introduced during the Meiji Period, 1868-1912. It is said that the origin of the Mokusho was when a master hit a piece of cut bamboo with a folded fan to keep the rhythm while chanting the sutras. Later the wooden Mokusho was created, and its use spread widely in the temples around Minobusan Kuonji Temple, and eventually spread throughout all Nichiren Shu temples in Japan. Before the Mokusho was created, the Mokugyo, or wooden fish, was used. It is another type of wooden drum used in Buddhist temples along with the Mokusho. The Mokugyo was carved in the shape of a long fish. This shape has an interesting origin. It was said that a priest should be encouraged to practice hard by looking at the shape of a fish which was believed never to close its eyes in sleep.
The Mokugyo creates a soft sound. The Mokusho, on the other hand, creates a light and lively tone. Mokusho was preferred to be used in Nichiren Shu because it helped to keep the rhythm of reading the Lotus Sutra clearly and quickly. It is used widely in the Kito prayer service because it can be struck with quick strokes.
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