komusō; begging Zen monk of the Fuke sect
Historical term for a mendicant Zen monk of the Fuke sect, recognizable by a deep sedge hat (tengai) and shakuhachi flute. The practice was abolished in the late 19th century; today the term is mainly encountered in historical or cultural contexts.
Komusō monks begged for alms while playing the shakuhachi.
Komusō sometimes appear in period dramas.
The deep sedge hat worn by komusō, also called 虚無僧笠.
The term 虚無僧 literally means 'monk of emptiness' or 'nothingness monk', reflecting the Fuke sect's emphasis on the concept of 虚無 (kyomu, nothingness). The exact origin of the word is uncertain, but it is deeply tied to the sect's practices and the wandering lifestyle of its adherents.