Japanese lacquerware, known as shikki (漆器), has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The art of applying layers of lacquer to wood, bamboo, and other materials has become highly refined over the centuries, evolving into a prized cultural art form. Lacquerware first emerged during the Jomon period in Japan (14,000–300 BCE), where archaeological… Read more »
Category: History
What is a mokugyo (fish drum)?
The mokugyo, also known as a “fish drum” or “wooden fish,” is a traditional percussion instrument of East Asian Buddhist traditions, including China, Japan, and Korea. The word “mokugyo” comes from the Japanese characters “moku” (木), meaning wood, and “gyo” (魚), meaning fish, which reflects its shape and material. As the name implies, the mokugyo… Read more »
Hotei the Laughing Buddha
You have likely seen him everywhere, from designer jeans to wellness products: a rotund, laughing Buddha. Known as Hotei in Japan or Budai in China, he is one of the most recognizable and beloved symbols in East Asian traditions. With his big belly, jolly smile, and ever-present sack, Hotei represents prosperity, joy, and abundance. Who… Read more »
A Brief History of Japanese Incense
Incense has played a significant role in Japanese culture for centuries, prized among courtesans, priests, and aristocrats alike. The introduction of incense to Japan can be traced back to the 6th century with the arrival of Buddhism. Its first recorded appearance was in 595, under the reign of Empress Suiko. As the story goes, an… Read more »
Kapok fiber: a sustainable cotton alternative
Derived from the pods of the ceiba pentandra tree, kapok is a fluffy, cotton-like natural fiber that has historically been used in upholstery, furniture, and meditation cushions. Its soft, buoyant composition (weighing one-eighth the weight of cotton) makes it both comfortable and supportive to sit on. In addition to these qualities, kapok has also become… Read more »
Moktak and Chukpi: Korean instruments for meditation
The moktak and chukpi are traditional Korean percussive instruments used during meditation. We are pleased to make them available here at Still Sitting. The moktak is a drum similar in shape and timbre to the Japanese mokugyo, sometimes called a “fish drum.” The chukpi or “bamboo clacker,” is slapped against the hand, emitting a loud… Read more »
Rinzai Gigen and Shogun Zen
According to the Zen tradition, awakening can arise from the most shocking and unexpected places: a terrifying shout or a blow to the shoulder. While hard to imagine today, it was sometimes these unconventional methods that Linji Yixuan, known as Rinzai Gigen in Japan, utilized in his teachings. Rinzai Gigen, an iconoclastic Chinese Zen monk,… Read more »
Who is Bodhidharma?
In Buddhist lore, few figures loom as large and enigmatic as Bodhidharma, a man whose fierce scowl, framed by deep vermillion robes, is pervasive from East to West. Revered for transmitting the teachings of Chan Buddhism, the predecessor of Zen Buddhism, from India to China and becoming one of the patriarchs of Zen and Shaolin,… Read more »
What are mala beads?
If you do meditation or yoga, you’ve probably seen mala beads before. These beautiful beads, often worn around the wrist, are not just fashion accessories; they can hold spiritual significance and serve as an aid to mindfulness practice. Mala beads have a rich history deeply rooted in the religions of India, including Buddhism and Hinduism.… Read more »
The Bodhisattva Jizo: A Guide For The Weary
Small stone statues dot the Japanese countryside. You will see them along roadways and trails; they appear tucked away in small shrines. They show up in manga (Japanese comic books) and popular films like My Neighbor Totoro. The diminutive bald figure, often rendered with baby-like features is comforting, cute even. This is Jizo, a Buddhist… Read more »
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