Japanese Flutist Watazumi "Doso"

Watazumi Roshi otherwise known as "Doso" was an extremely interesting character whose way I find very captivating. As a martial artist and student of the Shakuhachi I can truly identify with his "way". Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei), the founder of Aikido, said that farming and Aikido were a perfect mixture. Both will work the body but farming provides a sense of freedom and a connection to the earth. Doso worked his body daily with a staff and his kokyu (breath power) with the Shakuhachi. His primary concern was the breath and the music that came from the breath was secondary. He is one of the most influential Shakuhachi masters to date but there is very little in the way of film/video available. Enjoy this video as they are few and far between.

Part 2- Stepping out onto the path

On September 15, 2009 I searched the web for a Shakuhachi and ended up finding one on Monty Levenson's site. I could not have been placed into more capable hands; Monty was very kind and helpful. He set me up with a student flute that was just fine for what I needed and not too expensive. As you know these new endeavors can be costly only to find out that it's not for you. Through Monty I hooked up with my teacher Phil James. Phil and I hit it off nicely and I enjoyed learning from him, hence, the lessons continued. As frustrating as it was I continued with my lessons. I remember after buying the flute from Monty and trying to get a sound out of it I was wondering what I had just done wasting all that money on a piece of bamboo that doesn't make any sound.  The Fall came and I was still struggling through my lessons with Phil, driving on, with his ever encouraging words of kindness. Then in December Phil said that he would be away on vacation so we scheduled our next lesson a couple of weeks out. I don't know how many of you know Phil but he is very organized with his student schedule and prompt to reschedule if something inadvertently comes up. Anyway, my lesson day and time came, but I didn't hear from Phil. I sent an email but to no avail. So, I figured something had come up and he would get back to me. I left a message on his cell phone but nothing yet. This was quite odd for Phil. Then a voicemail from Lara, Phil's wife, about what had happened.

Now, I had only known Phil for three months at this time and we had never met in person only through lessons on the computer, but when the news came about his stroke I was devastated. Until that point in time I did not realize how close I had grown to Phil; a real friendship. At this time his prognosis was bleak. I called Monty and we talked for a long time not wanting to believe what had happened. Soon after Lara started the blog to keep us informed of their happenings. I could only imagine what they were going through. My thoughts were all over the place, about Phil, about Lara and their unborn child; a complete feeling of helplessness. Thank God for Lara's strength, the outpouring of support from family, friends, and the shakuhachi communtity. And of course, Phil's perseverance through it all. I had never in all my years seen so many people pull together for one common goal so quickly and selflessly. That in and of itself told me that I had found a special person.

I was inspired to write a poem during that time for Phil.


Dreaming

The dream of a Shakuhachi
Simple bamboo creating musical meditation
Calming, healing, fulfilling

The step of commitment
Building a relationship
A connection

Though never meeting face to face
I have found a teacher, a master
I have found a life long friend

This is a picture of Phil and I in Portland the first weekend of March 2010, and the first time that we had ever met in person.

Phil has graciously agreed to an interview in the near future. Stay tuned.