Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin has been playing the Zen shakuhachi for over 25 years, and in 1978 he had been honored with the status of Shi-han (Master) in respect to his work in spreading the method of playing this wonderful instrument to others in the United States. In 1980, he received the title of Dai Shi-han (Grand Master) for his authoritarian skill with the shakuhachi flute. He has since aimed his mission at playing for those with terminal illnesses and at nursing homes for the elderly, in an attempt to ease their body and mind. Many of these people have testified that indeed they do feel more at ease while listening to Ronnie play with this haunting ability.
The word komuso is derived from the title given to priests of the Fuke Zen sect who traveled all over Japan during the Edo period. These komuso would take on other's diseases and worries upon themselves, striving to help heal these people with a style of shakuhachi playing known as Sui-Zen. Since that time the Fuke sect has died out pretty much, and yet the Zen shakuhachi flute carried on. Ronnie plays in the spirit of such komuso, and one could in effect call him a bodhisattva for doing so.
This CD is hauntingly pleasing, taking one's mind into a deeper state where many of our worries and troubles simply do not stay alive. Every track has the power to heal an overly stressed mind that is still at the office while trying to relax at home. They even can transport you to the calm of home life while at the office when played. His skilled ability with this instrument truly gives one the impression of hollowness, as though they have all the room within their being to be filled up. That's the aim of a komuso playing this wonderful flute for us, to empty our minds and return us to our original unknowing state. If you have an illness or know someone who does, this CD is a wonderful gift for either of you. If you are simply looking to find some high quality music to play while in meditation, this also is a sure bet. It's for everyone. Come listen to Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin as he takes mind away...
