Shakuhachi 101

And as we grow calm... 
we play to wake others up
we play to offer prayers 
we play to bring peace
we play to honor the spirits that are before us

Tofukuji Altar

earth komuso sky dragon connection

Meditative Side Blowing Technique

Advanced players blow the bore on the side to improve the resonant harmonic tonalities of some bamboo, adding a distinctive sawari that compliments nature and sound.

Nara Dreamland to Infinity

Procession

Komuso monks, Japan, 1887

Komuso Snow Globes

Komuso Shomu Travels

1st Millennium ancient stone carvings of shakuhachi players on the mountain path around Takatori Castle, Nara Prefecture.

In the Bamboo

Remember Kakushin's Kesa

Kakushin's Kesa worn before 1299

Where is Kakushin's Shakuhachi?

Alms Cup

returning the bowl

sound blossoms

The Here and Now

revival

Sumi Ink

Old Monk and Shakuhachi

Long Flutes Again

For the Jizu...

who resemble the komuso...

 just passing through!

The Shakuhachi in the Stone

My Teacher

field of peonies
in the forest of tall pines
do they hear the flute?

Komuso After Dark

Tominomori Kyozan Sensei

Komoso

Forerunner of the Komuso.  With bedroll, sword, flute and long hair.

Zen Lineage from Bodhidharma to Kyochiku Zenshi

From the 1966 classic Zen Dust

Kyochiku Zenshi at the Myoanji Altar

Ancient Temple Artifacts of the Bamboo Flute

Todaiji, Nara, 8th century.

Horyuji, Nara, 7th century.

Byodo-in, Uji, 11th century.

Byodo-in, Uji, 11th century.

The octagonal lantern in front of the Daibutsuden at Todaiji is the only artifact remaining intact from the original temple besides the Daibutsu's lotus-petal throne and the drapery part of the left femoral region. Completed in 794.

Two more shakuhachi lanterns, identical to the earlier Todaiji lantern, appear at the main pagoda of My. Koya, and the mausleum of Kobo Daishi, 9th century.

Myoanji Group Photo -- Happy New Year

December 2015

Myoanji Altars

Myoanji Suits and Juzu-1970s