wasan

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Wasan (和讃) are a type of Japanese Buddhist hymn composed in native Japanese language (wago).{{sfnm|1a1=Kitanishi|1y=2001}} The word is meant to distinguish Japanese hymns from those composed in Sanskrit (bonsan 梵讃) or Chinese (kansan 漢讃).{{sfnm|1a1=Kitanishi|1y=2001}} These works sing of the teachings and deeds of buddhas, bodhisattvas and {{illm|Soshi (founder)|lt=soshi|ja|開祖}} (the founders of schools of monks).{{sfnm|1a1=Kitanishi|1y=2001|2a1=MyPaedia|2y=2015}} They are composed in verses of alternating seven and five syllables, with each hymn consisting of four or more such verses.{{sfnm|1a1=Kitanishi|1y=2001|2a1=MyPaedia|2y=2015}} They were composed from the addition of a melody to a Buddhist service (法会 hōe) or teaching (教化 kyōke),{{sfnm|1a1=Kitanishi|1y=2001}} and became popular starting in the Heian period.{{sfnm|1a1=Kitanishi|1y=2001|2a1=MyPaedia|2y=2015}} These hymns in colloquial Japanese played an important part in the spread of Buddhism throughout Japan and among the members of the lower classes.{{sfnm|1a1=Kitanishi|1y=2001}} 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.{{sfnm|1a1=Kitanishi|1y=2001}} Wasan fell out of popularity during the Edo period.{{sfnm|1a1=MyPaedia|1y=2015}}