Over 150 of us exist. And i still dream. It is a great honor for me to be a part of the World Shakuhachi Festival. As in the Way of the Komuso, i am here with you without being here. If you are willing to listen to my utterings, I'd like to share these thoughts with you.
Life is full of contradictions.
Nay, life itself is a contradiction, teetering as it does between itself and the ultimate fulfillment of itself, i.e. death. All contradictions are forever seeking resolution. Most of you probably have never heard of a recent bill passed by Congress and carried into effect by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. As a result of this new law, we federal prisoners are no longer allowed to purchase or own any personal musical instruments or electronic equipment, except a harmonica. Those of us who have been in prison awhile, especially the musicians with personal instruments, raised a ruckus.