Master Kukai (774-835), posthumously known as Kobo Daishi, is
the eighth patriarch of Chinese Esoteric Buddhism (Tangmi) and the founder of Japanese Shingon
Buddhism. He is an outstanding figure of cultural exchange between China and Japan. Kukai travelled
to China during the Tang dynasty, where he studied under Master Huiguo, the seventh patriarch of
Chinese Esoteric Buddhism. Later, Kukai succeeded Huiguo and was ordained as the eighth patriarch.
After Kukai returned to Japan, he widely spreaded the religion in the country. Kukai established the
Japanese Shingon Buddhism, built Bodhimandas in Mount Koya, and brought benefits to the country and
its people. Kukai is also a founding figure of Japanese culture – he invented Kana characters,
initiated the earliest Japanese civilian education schools, and introduced advanced technologies
from Tang.
The symphony "Kukai" uses the lifetime story of Master Kukai as a chief source of inspiration. It
celebrates the esoteric Buddhism lineage and the special bonding between Huiguo and Kukai. The music
served as a bridge to bring the audience back to 1250 years ago to reconnect with Master Kukai’s
spirit.
The music is composed of six parts:
Chapter 1. Born with the Great Vow and Practise Asceticism with Aspirations
Chapter 2. Pursue Study in Tang China and Sustain the Dharma Lineage
Chapter 3. Spread Esoteric Teaching in Japan and Turn the Dharma Wheel
Chapter 4. Enter the Vairocana Pure Land, Have Great Compassion for Living Beings
Chapter 5. Widely Spread Esoteric Teaching and Benefit Sentient Beings
