The shakuhachi was not originally designed to be a weapon. It was a bamboo flute that when blown into from one end produced beautiful and soulful music.

Today, shakuhachi music forms an important part of the Japanese traditional music. The sound the shakuhachi makes is found to be relaxing and divine by Buddhist monks.

In fact, a sect of Buddhism, knows as the Fuke, is credited for the current popularity of the shakuhachi as they favor the use of shakuhachi music while chanting Buddhist sutras. A form of meditation arises by the focus on breathing that playing the bamboo flute induces.

During the period marked by the deterioration of the Japanese feudal system, countless samurai suddenly found themselves jobless and hence without purpose. Many of these ex-samurai turned toward their inner training and became roaming preachers or komuso. These preachers had to abandon the use of the sword as they were no longer officially warriors.

This became a problem for the individual komuso as various clans began fighting for supremacy over Japan's political structure. Endangered by the clan wars, yet unable to protect themselves in the old ways, the komuso had to rely on new tactics. Since they were already carrying bamboo flutes as part of their religious practice, they turned to the shakuhachi as a new and acceptable weapon of defense.

They re-designed the shakuhachi, making these musical instruments stronger and bigger. Now the shakuhachi could also be used as a club and thus a new weapon was born. A weapon that soon became a part of the remaining Samurais' arsenal.

Looking for bamboo flutes to play or use as a weapon, then check out this link: Bamboo Flutes.

About the Author:  Scott Harker is the publisher of several websites including: Sherlock Holmes Pastiches, Dinosaur Fossils, In The Garden, Rosacea - The Blushing Disease, and Essentual Aromatherapy.

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