Shakuhachi

Ken L Ken LaCosse The shakuhachi is a deceptively aCosse The shakuhachi is a deceptively simple
Japanese bamboo flute. With only five finger holes and
a sharp, angled blowing edge, it is capable of produc-
ing both sounds of simplicity and vast complexity. Its
efficient design provides a player with a level of subtle
tone control found in no other flute. By adjusting the
blowing angle or by partially covering the finger holes,
its basic pentatonic scale can be expanded to include
slides, halftones, quarter tones as well as subtle micro-
tones. Historically, the shakuhachi has a connection to
Zen Buddhism. In its religious context, it is played not
for entertainment, but as a way of Blowing Zen.
The deceptive simplicity of the shakuhachi can also be
found in the experience of constructing one. In it’s most
basic form, the shakuhachi can be made in minutes. In
it’s most complex form, it can take months or years
of diligent labor before a flute is considered finished.
Regardless of approach, shakuhachi making can be
used as a tool to practice the appreciation and wonder
of paradox in all things.
This flutemaking guide attempts to explain a basic ap-
proach to shakuhachi construction. In this approach, the
emphasis is on the bamboo and working with what each
particular piece has to offer. This method is ideal for
beginners because it is concerned with the shakuhachi
in its unadorned form. Extra tedious steps, or within
this mindset, ‘trappings’ of construction, such as the
blowing edge inlay, lacquer application and middle
joint construction, are not addressed. Although basic, it
is not necessarilly a crude method. Many experienced
makers find endless complexity and challenge within
this approach.
History
There are various possibilities as to the origin of the
shakuhachi. One explanation is that an ancient six hole
version migrated from China to Japan along with the
introduction of Buddhism during the Nara period (680-
794 A.D.). Another explanation is that anancestor of the shakuhachi called a hitoyogiri was first
played by Japanese begger monks about the 9th-11th
century.
In the 17th century, the shakuhachi was played by
wandering priests called komuso (priests of empty
nothing) who wore large baskets over their heads to
symbolize their otherworldliness. Komuso membership
greatly increased during the political upheavals of this
time. Some were attracted by the free and easy role of
the traveling komuso monk. Others were drawn by its
developing Zen theology and its utilization of music
as a means to enlightenment. The movement gradually
developed into a recognized sect of Zen Buddhism. The
popular legend of the komuso is that they were granted
exclusive rights to play the shakuhachi if they acted as
secret informers for the government. They are also said
to have originated the use of the dense root section in
their flutes as a means of self defense.