Shichi Bongo – Anima Christi

Composer: Ko Matsushita

Words from Composer

Among the Shingon shomyo of Koyasan, “Shichi Sanskrit” praising Dainichi Nyorai of the Vajrayana, which is said to be the most frequently chanted, and “Anima Christi” (The Soul of Christ), which is said to have been quoted at the beginning of the “Spiritual Exercises” written by St. Ignatius de Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, and spread, are sung simultaneously.

The fusion of Buddhism and Christianity that unfolds in this song is a fusion of the common universality of these two religions, which both preach service and love as proof of faith, and it is a world which is sharing of love that is fundamental to our humanity.

At the International Children’s Chorus Festival, this song will be performed as world premiere in front of the Kompon-Daito (Great Pagoda) in the temple compound of Kongobuji Temple in Koyasan.

It is a moving moment to hear the children’s prayer for peace filled with love spread through the tranquil trees of Koyasan-mountain.