Sound, Symbol, and Devotion: A Semiotic Study of Fǎqì Percussion and Fànbài Chant in Han Mahayana Buddhism

Abstract

Fǎqì is a percussion instrument traditionally employed in Han Mahayana Buddhist practice and plays a central role in regulating monastic life and ritual worship. Functioning as an acoustic signaling system, fǎqì is used to mark the division of six daily periods (liùshí xíngdào) in monastery activities, including early morning, midday, late afternoon, evening, and late-night observances. In addition to its time-keeping role, fǎqì serves as rhythmic accompaniment in gòngxiū devotional ceremonies. Within ritual performance, fǎqì interacts with core musical elements—melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre—particularly in the chanting of zànsòng hymns and the recitation of sòngjīng texts rendered in the fànbài vocal style. These vocal practices are based on scriptural sources drawn from the Mahātripiṭaka, including sutras, mantras, and dhāraṇīs. The central issue addressed in this study concerns the function of fǎqì as a tempo-regulating instrument that simultaneously operates as a symbolic sound marker accompanying fànbài chant. This research adopts a qualitative phenomenological approach, integrating ethnomusicological perspectives derived from Bruno Nettl with theories of musical semiotics. Data were collected through interpretative phenomenological analysis involving participant observation, in-depth interviews conducted both online and offline, focus group discussions, and documentation. The findings demonstrate that fǎqì functions not merely as a temporal signaling device but as an integral component of religious musical expression. The instrumentation system employs established symbolic notations and designated percussion instruments—including dàqǐng, mùyú, yǐnqǐng, diàozhōng, hāzǐ, gǔ, dàgǔ, and dāngzǐ—each fulfilling specific ritual and musical roles. Through its organized sound production and symbolic function, fǎqì may be understood as a form of religious music that embodies the spiritual identity and contemplative orientation of Han Mahayana Buddhism.