4.4 Shamanic and Buddhist musical practices

Korean shamanic and Buddhist musical practices showcase the rich spiritual tapestry of the region. Shamanic rituals use driving rhythms and expressive vocals to connect with spirits, while Buddhist ceremonies employ meditative chants and gentle percussion to foster contemplation.

Both traditions reflect Korea's deep-rooted beliefs, but differ in energy and purpose. Shamanic music is spontaneous and trance-inducing, while Buddhist music is structured and serene. Together, they form a unique musical landscape that bridges the human and spiritual realms.

Music in Korean Shamanism

Role of Music in Shamanic Rituals

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• Korean shamanism (Muism or Sinism) is an indigenous religious belief system involving communication with spirits and deities through rituals performed by shamans
• Shamanic rituals (gut or kut) are performed for purposes such as healing, exorcism, blessing, and honoring ancestors or gods, with music and dance being essential components
• Shamanic music has the power to summon spirits, appease deities, and facilitate the shaman's journey between the human and spirit worlds
• The shaman (usually a female mudang) performs songs and dances specific to each stage of the ritual, accompanied by an ensemble of musicians
• The music features repetitive rhythms, simple melodies, and improvisation, helping induce trance states in the shaman and participants
• Shamanic song lyrics contain invocations, prayers, and storytelling related to the ritual's purpose and the specific deities or spirits being summoned (healing, honoring ancestors)

Shamanic Music and the Role of the Mudang

• The mudang's singing and chanting are the central focus of shamanic music, accompanied by instrumental accompaniment
• The mudang's vocal style is often harsh, nasal, and emotionally charged, reflecting the intensity of the ritual and communication with spirits
• The mudang performs songs and dances specific to each stage of the ritual, adapting to the needs of the ceremony and interaction with spirits
• The mudang's role is to facilitate communication between the human and spirit worlds through music, dance, and ritual actions
• The mudang's performance is improvisatory and fluid, responding to the energy of the ritual and the presence of specific spirits
• The mudang's singing and chanting often incorporate microtonal inflections and a wide melodic range, adding to the expressive nature of the music

Characteristics of Shamanic Music

Rhythm and Melody

• Rhythms in shamanic music are typically repetitive and driving, with occasional changes in tempo and meter to mark different stages of the ritual or signal the presence of specific spirits
• The repetitive rhythms help induce trance states in the shaman and participants, facilitating communication with the spirit world
• Melodies in shamanic music are usually simple and repetitive, often based on pentatonic or hexatonic scales
• The melodies may include microtonal inflections, adding to the expressive and otherworldly quality of the music
• The combination of repetitive rhythms and simple melodies creates a hypnotic and immersive atmosphere conducive to spiritual experiences
• The rhythmic and melodic elements of shamanic music are closely tied to the specific purpose of the ritual and the deities or spirits being invoked (healing rhythms, ancestral melodies)

Instrumentation

• The piri, a double-reed oboe-like instrument with a piercing and expressive sound, is the main melodic instrument in Korean shamanic music
• Other wind instruments include the taepyeongso (a conical double-reed instrument) and the hojeok (a type of flute), adding to the melodic texture
• Percussion instruments, such as the janggu (hourglass-shaped drum), buk (barrel drum), and kkwaenggwari (small flat gong), play a crucial role in maintaining the rhythm and energy of shamanic rituals
• String instruments, like the haegeum (two-stringed fiddle) and ajaeng (bowed zither), occasionally provide melodic accompaniment
• The combination of wind, percussion, and string instruments creates a rich and dynamic soundscape that supports the shaman's performance and the overall ritual experience
• The instrumentation of shamanic music is designed to evoke specific moods and energies associated with different stages of the ritual and the spirits being summoned (powerful drum beats, haunting piri melodies)

Buddhism's Influence on Music

Buddhist Ritual Music

• Buddhism, introduced to Korea from China in the 4th century CE, significantly impacted Korean culture, including music
• Buddhist music in Korea is primarily associated with ritual practices and ceremonies in temples, such as chanting sutras, offering prayers, and conducting meditation
• Buddhist chants (beompae) are performed by monks and nuns, based on Sanskrit and Chinese texts, and characterized by a slow, meditative tempo and narrow melodic range
• Buddhist instrumental music accompanies chanting and is performed using traditional Korean instruments adapted for Buddhist ceremonies
• The beopgo, a wooden fish-shaped drum, is a distinctive instrument in Korean Buddhist music, used to keep time during chanting and signal the beginning and end of ceremonies
• Other common instruments in Korean Buddhist music include the moktak (wooden percussion instrument), eo (large temple bell), and beomjong (set of bronze bells)

Influence on Secular Music

• The influence of Buddhism on Korean music extends beyond ritual practices, affecting the development of court music (aak) and aristocratic music (hyang-ak)
• Court music and aristocratic music incorporated elements of Buddhist music and aesthetics, such as the use of specific instruments and the emphasis on meditative and contemplative qualities
• Buddhist musical elements were adapted and integrated into secular musical forms, contributing to the overall development of Korean musical traditions
• The philosophical and spiritual aspects of Buddhism, such as mindfulness and introspection, influenced the compositional and performance practices of Korean music
• Buddhist music's emphasis on simplicity, tranquility, and spiritual devotion inspired the creation of new musical genres and styles that reflected these values
• The incorporation of Buddhist musical elements into secular music helped to create a distinct Korean musical identity that combined religious and cultural influences

Shamanic vs Buddhist Music

Similarities

• Both Korean shamanic and Buddhist music are closely tied to religious practices and rituals, serving as a means of communication with spiritual entities and creating a specific atmosphere for ceremonies
• Both traditions use pentatonic and hexatonic scales as the basis for their melodies, creating a sense of familiarity and continuity between the two musical styles
• Shamanic and Buddhist music both emphasize the importance of rhythm and percussion instruments in maintaining the structure and energy of rituals and ceremonies
• The vocal elements, whether shamanic chanting or Buddhist recitation, play a central role in both musical traditions, conveying spiritual messages and facilitating communication with the divine
• Both shamanic and Buddhist music are designed to evoke specific emotional and spiritual states in participants, whether through inducing trance-like experiences or promoting meditative contemplation
• The use of traditional Korean instruments, albeit in different contexts and combinations, is a common feature of both shamanic and Buddhist music, reflecting the shared cultural heritage of these musical traditions

Differences

• Shamanic music is more energetic, spontaneous, and emotionally charged, while Buddhist music is generally more meditative, serene, and structured
• Shamanic vocals are often harsh, nasal, and expressive, while Buddhist chants are typically gentle, monotonous, and focused on clear enunciation of sacred texts
• Shamanic music features a wider range of instruments played in an improvisatory and expressive manner, while Buddhist music relies more on percussion and chanting, with limited use of melodic instruments
• Rhythms in shamanic music are more complex and varied, with frequent changes in tempo and meter, while Buddhist music maintains a steady, meditative rhythm throughout the ceremony
• Shamanic music often incorporates microtonal inflections and a wider melodic range, whereas Buddhist chants have a narrower melodic range and fewer embellishments
• The structure of shamanic music is more fluid and improvisatory, adapting to the specific needs of the ritual, while Buddhist music follows a more predetermined structure based on liturgical texts and the sequence of the ceremony
• The purpose and intended effects of the music differ, with shamanic music aimed at inducing trance states and facilitating communication with spirits, while Buddhist music seeks to promote mindfulness, contemplation, and spiritual devotion