Blowing Zen
One Breath, One Mind
Additional Reading
Shakuhachi Instruction Book and CD
After covering basic information and history background you'll be guided step-by-step from producing sound and playing simple folk tunes to playing Buddhist Meditation music. There is also detailed information on making two types of Shakuhachi: a simple plastic pipe version and the traditional tapered bore root bamboo version. Includes a 72-minute compact disc of the Japanese folk tunes, chamber music and Buddhist composition "Hi Fu Mi" taught in the book. The CD also features examples of timing and standard Buddhist music phrases.
Supplimental Volumes
Blowing Zen II contains 26 additional Hon Kyoku compositions (Zen Buddhist music), pitch graphs, more San Kyoku (Japanese Chamber music), and more Japanese folk music. Blowing West is a collection of symphony and opera themes, sonatas, concertos, minuets, gavottes and more in Shakuhachi notation.
What is the Shakuhachi?
The Shakuhachi is an ancient flute that captivates many who cross its path. Hidden in its simplicity is profound possibility. The windy, resonant sound of the Shakuhachi brings deep serenity to sympathetic ears. For the devoted player, it is also a spiritual tool for training the mind and breath.
For more background on the shakuhachi, visit our CenterTao.org shakuhachi page.
Where to Get a Flute
We have postponed making our plastic student shakuhachi for the time being. However, they are easy to make from Schedule 40 PVC pipe. Blowing Zen includes the simple instructions for the do-it-yourself-er. While lacking the natural look and feel of bamboo, it plays and sounds as good (or better) than some bamboo flutes out there. It is the perfect first step to seeing if the Shakuhachi is right for you before investing serious money in a superb instrument.
The next-most economical first step is to buy the Shakuhachi Yuu. This molded plastic shakuhachi plays noticeably better than the PVC version due to its tapered bore.
Finally, when you are ready for a fine bamboo shakuhachi, the best place to find it is at Shakuhachi.com.
