-William Blake
1920 ‘Buddhist Flapper’ in themed photoshoot
Humane Hemp
In Japan, hemp isn’t just a way of life, its a way to protect it…
A Zen Buddhist priest who wishes to practice the ultimate compassion to animals, would use a Hossu or ‘flapper’ to shoo away fly’s and flying insects without harming them.
A Hossu is made of a short staff of wood or bamboo (sometimes with intricate weaving around the shaft) topped with horse hair or hemp. The horse hair or in some cases hemp would softly and safely shoo the flying creatures away without harm…
Hemp helping humans show compassion… Love it!
Hand-colored photo of a Buddhist priest. 1880’s, Japan. Photographer unknown
The hossu is symbolic of a Zen master’s authority to teach and transmit Buddha Dharma to others, and is frequently passed from one master to the next.
Hemp weave on handle, Japanese Buddhist Hossu from preWW2 Japan
It is also believed that the hossu will protect the wielder from desire, although I know some ladies that will get all riled up if you start waving hemp around…
About 1890’s. This is a photograph from an album by Usui Shuzaburo. The caption written in pencil says, “Japanese Priest.” The priest is wearing a “kesa” robe with white “tabi” socks and is holding a “hossu” brush.
The use of the hossu would spread in antiquity, its use finding its way into cultures throughout Asia and Africa.
The lesson Hemp teaches showing compassion to all life, is a message worth spreading…
Two priests. Hand-colored photo, about 1870’s, Japan