Editor's Thoughts:
The shakuhachi is a haunting instrument. I love its melancholy tones. But, then my tastes in music have always been unusual. I even like bagpipes. This is a story of awakening through music. It is a beautiful story, inspiring and uplifting. It's my latest favorite feel-good book.
About the Author:
As a young, up and coming electrical engineer living in England, Ray Brooks had everything he could want—a high paying job, late nights, and fast cars. All he was missing in his life was the meaning.
A series of events brought him to Japan, where he met a man who played the shakuhachi, an ancient Japanese flute. That fortuitous interaction motivated Brooks to embark on a journey to learn this very difficult instrument.
Through playing the shakuhachi, he began to understand the Zen discipline that is a crucial aspect of Japanese culture. This understanding greatly changed his outlook on life, putting him in touch with his authentic self.
Blowing Zen’s humor and its irresistible story of cultures converging lets the underlying message come through without preachiness: life is about finding your true calling, not just what brings you superficial joy. Brooks’ spontaneous approach to the collaboration of art, mind, body, and spirit is inspiring and instructive.
This uplifting memoir has been entrancing readers since its release in 2000, and it is now being re-released with a new chapter and lots of photographs.
Ray Brooks is a writer, teacher, artist and performer. He performs shakuhachi concerts in Japan, North America, and Europe. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Publisher: H.J. Kramer (January 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0915811855
ISBN-13: 978-0915811854
Available from: Sentient Publications and other retail and online booksellers in print and ebook.
