Blowing Zen
Bob Nyosui Sedivy, blowing Shakuhachi
“It is said: Shakuhachi and Zen are One.”
A distinguishing feature of practice with Santa Barbara Zen Center is experiencing the shakuhachi, which is played before services by Bob Nyosui Sedivy. Bob was certified in Japan as a Komuso monk and is an accomplished practitioner and teacher of this ancient instrument of Zen.
The Shakuhachi, a 5-holed vertical bamboo flute of Japan, has a history much veiled in mystery. Brought to Japan from China over 1200 years ago, it is the only musical instrument associated with Zen Buddhism. Monks from the Fuke Sect wandered Japan during the Edo period (1600-1868) and were called Komuso or “priests of nothingness”.
The Komuso played the shakuhachi pieces called honkyoku as a form of meditation called suizen or “blowing meditation”. They wore large woven baskets or “Tengai” over their heads symbolizing humility and anonymity.
The study of shakuhachi is similar to any of the Zen arts, such as Tea Ceremony, swordsmanship, archery or brush painting.
Nyosui says, “We should approach the austere spiritual beauty of the shakuhachi with the same mind and dedication as we do meditation”.
If you want to hear Nyosui, please join us.
Meanwhile, have a listen to the sounds of shakuhachi and learn more here:
Hon Shirabe performed by Bronwyn Kirkpatrick
Taki Ochi performed by Riley Lee
A beginning piece, Hon Shirabe.