Breathing.

Eventually, the breath, the posture, and the movement of the fingers and
heart become unified and interdependent and the sound seems to happen by
itself. At this point the real work of meditation can begin. The sound is
conceived in the mind, sometimes by perceiving the notation. The
conception then leaves the mind, enters the lungs and the fingers, passes
through the bamboo as breath, exits as sound, enters the outside world and
the returns to the mind through the ears. The fingers feel the vibration of the
bamboo and the spirit is stilled. -Stand Richardson, Shakuhachi player.

Suizen is a Zen Buddhist practice of meditation from blowing air

through an instrument. The goal is to become self-realized and fully aware of
every aspect of your breathing and playing. We must understand our
breathing, in order for us to out adequate amounts through the intstrument.
Just blowing air is not enough; thinking and more importantly comprehending
fully where our breath comes from, and how we should use it.

The actual practice of suizen is a nine-part non-sequential series of

contemplations to be either guided through by a master, or used as a
process of self-study for the more advanced student. Finding a quiet place
and appropriate time to practice, one clears ones mind and relaxes, ready to
perceive the qualities of a single note or the notes within a simple phrase. It
is vital to not just improvise a long string of notes, since the idea is to be
completely aware of each note and its qualities.
To begin the practice, after allowing about 30 seconds of silence to clear
ones mind, carefully proceed with each suggestion as you blow a single
note. The entire thing should last at least 20 to about 45 minutes to be
effective:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Listen to how the note begins and finishes.

Consider any/all silence before or after as music, as a note.
Listen to the texture of the note and the dynamic shape.
Listen to what happens to the sound.
Follow the breath as you begin/end the sound.
Listen to the quality and shape of the silence before/after sounding.
Listen to what arises out of any and all silence.
Breathe as if the breathing is part of the sound/note.

9. Let your breath slowly become the music.

10. Follow the note into your ears and try to find the place in your mind
where you hear it.