The concept of ichi on jo butsu – the attainment of enlightenment through a single note – became an important aspect of the Fuke sect’s ‘blowing Zen’ as it developed in later periods.The Annals of the International Shakuhachi Society, Volume 1. Ed. Dan E Mayers [n.d., 1996?]: Christopher Blasdel, “The Shakuhachi: Aesthetics of a single tone,” p. 14 The sound produced by the instrument, which was taught along strict and traditional lines in the suizen schools, is not considered important. It is the practice of blowing which leads to enlightenment.
