Enter shakuhachi....again!

                                                             My planned adventure into the Celtic flute world never really materialized and went by the wayside as life and schedules played havoc on my practice. Most of that is my fault for not setting time aside for it. I tend to get all worked up about something new and jump right in and this was what happened. It is most certainly still on my list for the future and I
 shall get to that. But....I must get back to shakuhachi practice. No, I NEED to get back to that as it was my first love in flute playing. It is also very meditative for me and centers me, my soul, my mind. So starting today, I will try to keep to a daily practice routine and advance. I say try as I'm a crazy. mixed up and always running fellow who never seems to stand still. Onward and upward!

Shakuhachi related news....as many might already know due to other posts on Facebook and Twitter, I had a great pleasure in meeting up with Perry Yung this month as he was traveling through the Portland area on vacation with his family. I have been corresponding with Perry a long time and have three of his shakuhachi, pictured below. These flutes have been HUGE for me and my life. One might say even "instrumental" (pun intended) in a life change that continues to this day.

 Over the last few weeks I have been reassessing my dedication to the shakuhachi and it's effect on my life, where it has been and where it should, can go. Not much has changed in this as it remains a part of my life and this is something I cannot see changing. The sound, the music, the tone....

Add the spiritual aspect that this beloved magical instrument brings to me and it is going NOWHERE. Granted, I don't dedicate as much time or practice to it as most of my fellow players from around the world. And there are a lot of them in my Facebook as well as Twitter life! The brightest stars and players as well as others like me who dabble and play when they can.



   What I love most about the shakuhachi and it's call to me must still remain the spiritual part. The meditative quality and effect it gives me. Some people might not understand how a simple instrument can do this but I think most musicians will get it. But the shakuhachi or any other instrument that is part of a religious faith, spiritual philosophy or mindfulness based belief simply defies description in some ways. Sure, the komuso played the shakuhachi as a part of their own meditations or as a way to call for alms from others back in the 16th to 19th century Japan and other Asian locales and it is uniquely part of and linked to the Buddhist tradition that adds flavour for me and encourages me to continue my Buddhist philosophical studies as well, keeping me mindful and aware.

This blog has been part of my journey in flute music and it's various avenues. While it is primarily about the shakuhachi, I do want to explore other genres of flute music. As they appear and intrigue me, I will blog about them. But the impact and foundation is and will always remain all about the shakuhachi! Time will tell where I end up on this journey and how it will develop. That is part of the charm, the eye opening aspect as one simply never knows. Plans are not made far in advance. Living in the moment , now, in the present: THAT is what I appreciate. Now...off to practice!!

The shadow that seeks the sun: new book by Ray Brooks

                                                  Years ago when I started my shakuhachi journey, every book available on that beautiful flute became a goal. My library simply had to own it and become part of the future education in my adventures. Among those volumes was a superb book by Ray Brooks, entitled "Blowing Zen". This detailed his studies and adventures while learning the shakuhachi and only strengthened my resolve to give it a go myself! My own studies progressed but time and life changed my study time as well as availability for lessons in many ways. Still, I love and adore my flutes while continuing to practice and learn when I can.

                                                   Fast forward to the current year of 2016. When I had read of a new volume from one of my favourites, I set about seeking out more information. The new book, just released, is entitled "The shadow that seeks the sun: a story about yogis, bhogis, and an unexpected encounter"

My first question was....is this about the shakuhachi as well or truly about experiences with yogis and a tome about India? Soon I would find this out as my copy was now on it's way to my humble abode in Washington State. Within a few days of it's arrival, the book was in my hands and being digested by my excited eyes.The answer to my question about inclusion of the shakuhachi was answered rather quickly. This was not another book about that subject though it was indeed mentioned a few times in context to the author's discussions in India. This book was going to prove a true delight in it's writing and style, for starters, but also as an eye opening volume about ourselves and how we perceive life itself. Ray starts this book with the meeting of various colourful people and their way of life in that just as colourful sub continent. But from there he moves from experience to experience, The introduction of a man named Rudra would prove to be a pivotal point in his quest for knowledge and wisdom after years of seeking true answers to life's always present problems. From studies with Krishnamurti in California to Rishikesh, India, Ray Brooks takes us to places we want to visit, places we need to see and places in our heart and mind that need inspection. Along the way he meets amazing people, from Crybaby and Sachin to Ram Prasad and the above mentioned Rudra. 

Certainly not wanting to give away the story nor the very enjoyable experiences Ray writes about, I will say that this book was a delightful read and makes me so look forward in anticipation to the next book!! Travel along with Ray Brooks during this journey and discover a different world, a quest for deep insight and become part of this every growing world we live in.

                                           A highly recommended read for sure!
                                      It can be ordered on Amazon or at Ray Brooks

Seumas Dòmhnal Ross

Distracted musician

                                                      Yes. I admit it fully. This has been a distracted summer and I'm a distracted musician. My goals to learn some Celtic songs and keep up with lessons and practice have been dashed as life took over my time. And while confession is said to be " good for the soul", that doesn't mean it makes everyone happy. And I'm a bit unhappy that I have been so lax in practice. Only just picked up Hideo the other day after a month and set about Blowing Ro for a while and get my lungs, playing back after the absence. This has always been my way of living and at my age I'm not sure it will ever change. I get distracted way too easily!

                                                       So...where does this leave me now? I have superb instruments that are simply NOT getting used as much as they should. Sell some? Gift them to the right people? Gawd, that would never be easy and I cannot see myself doing either of those things. Though I could use the money from a few flute sales to upgrade my camera situation and that is a very tempting thought as my photography is needing this. So...I just might have to think on it. Keep your eyes open for a possible sale! Oh, that would not include my shakuhachi except possibly the Yuu. it needs to go to a good home.

I'll end the post with a promise to TRY to do better and get my musical butt in gear!!