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August 13, 2008
Daily Zen Shakuhachi
Hi All, I make a lot of shakuhachi, from professional level to what I call my Daily Zen Shakuhachi. These flutes are made from the upper part of the bamboo stalk. They are often visually "imperfect" by having gutters, cut off branch nodes and are thinner walled. But, they can play like a nice simple shakuhachi. These are made in a similar approach to an artist making a sketch. Those involved with the fine arts can appreciate the whimsical, light touch of a sketch over the painstaking exactness of a finished painting. Sketches provide a window into the world of an artist - a glimpse into a masterpiece (at an affordable price). Just search Michaelangelo's sketches and you can see how amazing these drawings are. They were never meant to be exhibited but today, art lovers around the world can enjoy seeing the process of the artist
These Daily Zen Shakuhachi often show the process with the mark of a file or a similar natural "imperfection". However, they are polished up and echo a sense of Zen Wabi Sabi in respect to nature's beauty. Besides, I hate wasting bamboo :)
Here is an email that came to me today from someone who purchased a Daily Zen Shakuhachi a few months ago:
"Perry
ps someone who only plays the shakuhachi flute for meditation
it isn't easy for me to just pick up a flute and play it
but i'm happy to tell you that i left the flute i bought from you on a table that i pass by daily
and i would always pick it up and try to find THE SPOT;
somehow ... just missing it .....and
for months now nothing came out but the sound of my breath
then finally this weekend on an island in Maine it all came together
wonderful dreamy flows of music, @ least to my ears !!!!
the sound is far.... far superior to my original $15 flute
the tones are delight-full
and once i cracked the code ... i can now just pick up the flute and it's as if i always
knew THE SPOT on my lips that would deliver such sweetness
a belated thanks for your craftsmanship
best regards
P.S. - WA"
The simple act of touching the flute daily will invite magic.
Namaste, Perry
Posted by Perry Yung at August 13, 2008 12:22 PM