Climbing isn't just about fingertip friction and the courage to make the next move. At its core is "breathing."
I received some positive feedback on my recent article about the shakuhachi, so, emboldened by that, this time I'd like to talk about "Suizen," an ancient Zen practice, and propose how it can be incorporated into climbing.
1. What is Suizen?
In contrast to "seated Zen (Zazen)," Suizen refers to "Zen attained through playing a flute." It originates from the practice of Komuso monks in the late Edo period who used the shakuhachi as a form of spiritual discipline.
-
Playing breath, not music: The goal is not to play a song skillfully. The act of pouring consciousness into each breath and expressing one's mind and body as sound is "Zen."
-
Harmonizing with bamboo and self: Through bamboo, a natural material, it is a process of blurring the boundaries between the outer and inner worlds.
- Anyone, anywhere: Zen might sound difficult, but the wonderful thing about Suizen is that you find yourself in that state as you search for a good sound.
2. The Impact of Suizen on Climbing
Why bring a musical instrument to the rock face? While it's simply enjoyable, the physiological and mental changes brought about by Suizen also scientifically support climbing performance.
-
Forced "breathing reset": The deep diaphragmatic breathing characteristic of the shakuhachi activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting rapid recovery from shallow breathing due to tension and increased heart rate due to pump.
-
Sensory tuning: By momentarily shifting focus from performing moves and gripping holds to the auditory sense of "sound," it prevents brain overload.
-
Feeling of "pause" and "release": The unique timing (ma) and tempo variations in Zen music align with the sensation of "loading" and "output" in dynamic moves, sharpening the senses while maintaining relaxation.
These practices also serve as excellent meditations in daily life. Interestingly, once you blow a single note, your consciousness naturally shifts towards making it a better sound, and you perceive very subtle changes in the sound's luster, volume, and type of vibration. In this way, you naturally focus on your breath and posture, and before you know it, your consciousness melts into the sound.
3. How to Start Shakuhachi and Shinobue ── Starting with "One-Note Meditation"
As I mentioned at the beginning, the goal is not to play a song skillfully. There's no need to feel intimidated or think you need lessons. Let's start by simply picking up a "bamboo" instrument.
-
The luxury of starting with "used bamboo": While it's common to start with inexpensive plastic instruments due to the risk of defects with used ones, if you're playing at the rock face, acquiring a "bamboo" instrument is a viable option. Even an inexpensive used shakuhachi will have a natural form ingrained in each piece, which should feel as raw and pleasant as the friction on your fingertips, and its appearance also matters.
-
Focus on "one note": You don't need to try to play a song. Just let out a single "pooh" sound that echoes against the rock face. Simply observing how deeply and quietly that single note fades away is a perfectly valid form of Suizen. Of course, ease of playing and learning varies by instrument, but in the grand scheme of whether you do it or not, it's not a significant difference.
-
The roles of "basics" and "resin-made" instruments: If you are drawn to the world of music that extends beyond that single note and wish to "play songs properly," then it would be a good idea to get a plastic instrument with stable pitch for practice to learn the basics. First, bring an instrument to the rock face and experience the feeling of becoming one with nature. I believe that is the most pure and climber-like first step.
- There are good and bad used items, and various choices such as types and lengths. If you don't know what to choose, please ask me.
It's not just about the result of "completing the climb," but also how you spend the "moments of silence" in the process. It's fine to pass the time by looking at endless posts on social media. But since you're surrounded by nature, I think it's good to have a different way of enjoying the rock face, a slightly different taste.
Why not tuck a Shakuhachi next to your chalk bag? The sound of your breath echoing on the rock will surely lead you to a new way of enjoying climbing.
(Yamamoto)