Over 700 years ago in Japan, Zen masters developed honky ku, the art of blowing Zen, using only the pure tones of the simple shakuhachi bamboo flute for accompaniment. On Shakuhachi Meditation Music, virtuoso Stan Richardson offers 13 authentic bamboo flute selections, each one a soothing contemplation meant to still the mind and awaken attention. Richardson, a former member of Japan's respected Ki-Sui-An Shakuhachi Dôjô ensemble, plays these rare works in the traditional Zen style, just as they were played for centuries by wandering monks. Selections range from spare, haunting contemplations to complex tone poems. Excellent for meditation, yoga, exercise, and bodywork.