Zen Buddhist monk Yakushiji Kanho, renowned for blending traditional Buddhist scriptures with contemporary music styles, is set to embark on a three-date tour of Taiwan in late October, following his previous sold-out performance at Legacy Taipei in December 2023.
Yakushiji gained widespread acclaim through his innovative renditions of sacred texts such as the Heart Sutra, which has had more than 5.3 million views on YouTube, accompanied by synthesizers and electronic drums. His unique approach extends to other compositions that fuse classic sutras with genres such as hip-hop and acoustic guitar, resonating deeply with a diverse audience.
In an interview, Yakushiji described music as both personal expression and a means to remain authentic to himself, emphasizing his lifelong affinity for merging musical creativity with Zen philosophy: “I believe that music and Buddhism have something in common, and I hope that my music can bring hope and inner peace to the public.” (Taiwan News)
Born into a lineage overseeing the 400-year-old Kaizen-ji, a Buddhist temple in Imabari, Japan, Yakushiji’s journey diverged from tradition as he initially pursued a career in music. Despite being born into a life that would typically lead to temple leadership, which passes from grandfather to father to son, Yakushiji discovered his passion for music early in life, forming his first band during high school and eventually signing a record deal for his band Kissaquo.
In an interview with Tricycle: The Buddhist Review in 2021, He described his early introduction to music through his father:
My father also loves music and I became interested in music because of him. He took me to karaoke when I was little, and we used to listen to records together. He liked guitar as a hobby but didn’t play well. I started playing his guitar when I was in junior high school. And I used to chant the Heart Sutra every morning before going to school.
(Tricycle: The Buddhist Review)
However, a pivotal moment came when a bandmate fell ill, prompting Yakushiji to more deeply explore the Buddhist teachings during a break from touring. This led him to integrate Buddhist scriptures into his musical repertoire, transforming his artistic expression into a vehicle for spiritual exploration and dissemination of Buddhist principles.
Yakushiji, 45, embraces Rinzai Zen, emphasizing the realization of one’s true nature and the interconnectedness of all actions. His performances of revered texts such as the Heart Sutra and the “Great Compassion Mantra,” set to contemporary musical arrangements, exemplify his mission to bridge ancient wisdom with modern sensibilities.
From past performances, concertgoers have described his work as “really pleasant to the ear” and “so talented,” while others have stated, “It’s refreshing to hear someone combine the Heart Sutra and EDM.” (Radii)
Collaborating with institutions such as Yunlin’s Beigang Wude Temple, Yakushiji has released singles that blend Buddhist and Daoist scriptures, aiming to cultivate inner peace and resilience among listeners. His upcoming “Enlightenment” tour in 2024 will include performances at Kaohsiung’s Backstage on 18 October, Legacy Taichung on 20 October, and Zepp New Taipei on 25 October, showcasing his commitment to using music as a transformative and universal language of spiritual enrichment.
Through his artistic journey, Yakushiji continues to inspire audiences with the belief that music and Buddhism share a common essence, offering hope and serenity amid life’s challenges.
