Support This Website By Purchasing Hagakure, The Book of the Samurai! Originally published in September 17,1716, this English translation is available in ebook form (pdf) for only $2.50. Comes with a bonus e-book, Reiki Law of Attraction.

Alex Chui's Immortality Rings

Dragonfly Page

Sparkling Diamonds and Gemstones For Sale

---

Coin Collector's Dream - Coins For Sale

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.

- Recommended Resource - Self Defense & Martial Arts Secrets! - "90% Of What You Learn In Strip Mall Dojo's, Martial Arts Schools, Self Defense Seminars And DVD's Will Get You Killed In A Real Attack On The Street..."

News About Bamboo Flutes

Treading the enlightened path The Daily Star The bamboo flute -- bashi -- adds a raw earthiness to the sound mix, its message exultant as it joins the dhol in urging the singer to take the path to ...

Frank Denyer and the sounds of silence Los Angeles Times Denyer's “Unnamed” (1997), a 47-minute piece for shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese bamboo flute, includes a two-minute silence. “Lots of people have heard ...

Barred from Traveling, Writer Liao Yiwu Speaks to German Readers in Open Letter Human Rights in China It's not a Chinese bamboo flute, it's a Chinese dongxiao; a bamboo flute is played horizontally while the xiao is played vertically. ... and more »

Elbow and Girls Aloud Covered In Fairtrade Project Spinner Featuring the best in Ghanaian music, the songs are infused with driving percussion, horns, bamboo flutes and even recordings made in the field. ... and more »

Southeast Missourian

'TAO' performers use athleticism, variety of instruments during show Southeast Missourian Solos and duets played on the shakuhachi, or traditional bamboo flutes, intermingled with the drums. The audience was asked to participate in the show ...

Troubadour hosts Japanese and Celtic music Corvallis Gazette Times CORVALLIS — “Bamboo and Strings,” a concert of traditional Japanese and Celtic music featuring bamboo flute player Larry Tyrrell, will take place at 8 pm ... and more »