Wasan

Wasan (和讃) are a type of Japanese Buddhist hymn composed in native Japanese language (wago).[1] The word is meant to distinguish Japanese hymns from those composed in Sanskrit (bonsan 梵讃) or Chinese (kansan 漢讃).[1] These works sing of the teachings and deeds of buddhas, bodhisattvas and soshi (the founders of schools of monks).[2] They are composed in verses of alternating seven and five syllables, with each hymn consisting of four or more such verses.[2] They were composed from the addition of a melody to a Buddhist service (法会 hōe) or teaching (教化 kyōke),[1] and became popular starting in the Heian period.[2] These hymns in colloquial Japanese played an important part in the spread of Buddhism throughout Japan and among the members of the lower classes.[1] The Fusō Ryakki includes a hymn composed by Gyōki extolling the virtues of the Buddhist dharma, which is a valuable tool for understanding the function of wasan.[1] Wasan fell out of popularity during the Edo period.[3]