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Banshiki Itchoken 盤渉 Honkyoku Description: This is a piece of genre Koten from the Kyushu Kei School Banshiki comes from the Itcho-ken Temple in Hakata, on the island of Kyushu. A very Buddhist honkyoku, it is concerned with the subject of death. More importantly, with the soul's journey from this life, full of attachments and feelings, toward the peace of satori, enlightenment, which lies beyond. The word“ shiki“ in the title means to “pass or cross over.“ This simple, mournful piece comes from the Itcho-ken Temple in Hakata on the island of Kyushu, where it was often used on ceremonial occasions, especially funerals. Banshiki is often performed for the safe passage of a soul into its next incarnation. It can also be thought of as relevant to the journey from life's attachments and freedoms to transcendent enlightenment and freedom from worldly concerns. It is said to provide a reminder that satori comes when one does away with one's feelings. Various formats exist for its incorporation into Buddhist
