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The komusō (虚無僧 komusō, Hiragana こむそう; also romanized komusou or komuso) were a group of Japanese mendicant monks of the Fuke school of Zen Buddhism who flourished during the Edo period of 1600-1868.<br/><br/> Komusō were characterized by a straw basket (a sedge or reed hood named a tengai or tengui) worn on the head, manifesting the absence of specific ego. They were also known for playing solo pieces on the shakuhachi (a type of Japanese bamboo flute). These pieces, called honkyoku ('original pieces') were played during a meditative practice called suizen, for alms, as a method of attaining enlightenment, and as a healing modality.<br/><br/> The Japanese government introduced reforms after the Edo period, abolishing the Fuke sect. Records of the musical repertoire survived, and are being revived in the 21st century.
Minamoto no Hiromasa (源 博雅, 918 – September 28, 980) was a nobleman and gagaku musician in the Heian period. He was the eldest son of Prince Katsuakira and the grandson of Emperor Daigo. His mother was the daughter of Fujiwara no Tokihira.<br/><br/> Emperor Daigo (醍醐天皇 Daigo-tennō, February 6, 884 – October 23, 930) was the 60th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Daigo's reign spanned the years from 897 through 930. He is named after his place of burial.