| Japanese Buddhist ceremonial music represents the synthesis of Japanese, Chinese, and Indian influences, each affecting language, text, and accompanying instruments. The shōmyō ritual is based on a Chinese adaptation of a Vedic Indian chant that is similar to the Gregorian chant. Shōmyō cantillations are sung in Sanskrit, Chinese, and Japanese with characteristics of the different languages expressed in transcriptions of the text. The ceremony features four main sections: a hymn in praise of Buddha, the strewing of flowers, and chants praising Buddha’s voice and the sacred mountain in the center of the world. |
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