SHAKUHACHI MISOGI
Misogi is a purification breathing technique long associated with Japanese Shinto religion. It incorporates the breathing aspects of long inhalation, breath holding, abdominal breath and long exhalation (long tone). It is used by martial artists (Aikido) to develop power. It achieves this with the combined techniques of mind concentration and mind & body unification.
The following is a procedure modified from the Aikido method (also taken from traditional Misogi), which shakuhachi players may find beneficial.
1. If possible, sit in seiza position. Concentrate on tanden , relax your shoulders, and close your eyes.
2. Play the note "RI
Imagine you are "singing" the sound HA from deep in your body (from tanden).
The sound must be clear and smooth. The breath should, in your mind, "reach to the end of the universe".
Keep your mind on tanden. Exhale for about 10 seconds, even longer if you are able. Eventually an exhalation time in excess of 30 seconds should be attained.
Identify any areas of tension in any part of your body and release them. In particular, note tension in back, shoulders, arms, wrists, fingers, lips, and throat.
Note that strong focus of embouchure and high internal "potential" can be maintained whilst achieving a relaxed state.
3. After completion of exhalation, incline your upper body very slightly forward and exhale the last of your breath, every last bit.
4. Wait a second or two, close your mouth, and, making a small sound (imagine the sound SU), begin inhaling. As you inhale, the body gradually returns to the original erect posture. Inhale through your nose and imagine it continuing out through the back/top of your head. Inhale for about 15 seconds (as long as possible). Feel that you are "inhaling the ki of the cosmos".
5. Concentrate and drop your breath to the area of tanden, and hold the breath for about 5 - 10 seconds (longer time is better but may require practice to achieve). You may also press your breath down gently to stretch your diaphragm.
6. Draw yourself up slightly, and begin to exhale and again play the note "RI". Note that exhalation should best be done by increasing the internal potential and "allowing" the breath to escape through the previously-closed lips. Do not try to "blow" out the air and, most importantly, do not try to "purse" or shape the lips/embouchure in any way at all.
This breathing can be continued for a period ranging from a few minutes to many hours.
Approach the breathing with real spiritual concentration. If the breathing becomes painful or the inhalation/exhalation rough, then focus the mind on tanden. The pain or roughness will disappear. With practice, a cycle of breathing of one minute, even more, can be achieved.
After practice, your breathing will feel as though it is being done by the universe and not yourself. Eventually you can breathe this way even when walking or lying down. Specifically, this breathing and the calmness and strength of spirit associated with it, can be transferred to your regular playing.
Other notes (some schools focus on the playing of RO) can of course be played instead of RI and this is encouraged. Try doing this exercise whilst playing notes in the
It is suggested by some that increased "ki" power during the exhalation can be achieved by constricting/tightening the anus. Try it for yourself.
TERMS
seiza: kneeling with body erect, toes crossed (right big toe on top of left) and with enough space for about two fists between your knees. If this posture is difficult, then use a kneeling stool or sit in a chair.
tanden: centre of ki in your body; centre of gravity; approximately 1½ inches (4-5cm) below navel.
RI: this is the central note on the shakuhachi. (Tozan HA,
kotodama: the "Spirit of Words", where each sound has a specific meaning and power. HA is associated with the "centre" and "singing" expression. It is the first among all sounds; the sound of creation from nothing, the sound of material creation.
exhalation: The outbreath is the ascending Water element, "Breath of Heaven", the "Breath of the Sun, Moon and Stars".
inhalation: the inbreath is the Fire Element, the "Breath of Earth", settling deep within the body, the "Breath of the Ebb & Flow of the Tide"
©2006 Andrew MacGregor