Ray Brooks, a British musician, composer, writer and teacher, is internationally known in the world of shakuhachi music. He has studied with Japanese shakuhachi masters, learned to play a variety of wind instruments (such as the Balinese Suling flute), mastered circular breathing under the tutelage of Tibetan monks, and studied tabla with an Indian master. He has held small solo shakuhachi concerts in Zen temples throughout Japan and has performed with Akikazu Nakamura, Japan's premier flute player. Ray has been interviewed by NHK television in Japan and various radio stations in Canada and Europe. He gives workshops in breath work, speaks about the effect of Zen on his life, and performs concerts at Zen centers, Buddhist gatherings, universities, music academies, and spiritual centers throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, and Canada. His most recent CD, entitled Hollow Bell, on the New Albion label, includes all the pieces of music mentioned in Blowing Zen. An avid traveler, Ray has journeyed throughout the Far East, walked the world's highest valley in the Himalayas, and trekked through the mountains of Northern India and Nepal. He now lives in Victoria, B.C. with his wife, Dianne.
"Blowing Zen is a shining paradigm of positive, life-affirming change. Ray's awakening to the deep, inner song that is life inspires and gives hope to those searching for their own true path." --John Robbins, author of Diet for a New America "Ray Brooks' unique and captivating book provides an insightful view of the heart and spirit of the Japanese culture and the musician's journey. In sharing his quest, he has enriched my life, and may inspire many others on the path of music, the ways of Zen." --Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior "A genuine spiritual journey, finding Zen, music, and one's own true self. A lovely spirit blows through this book." --Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart The shakuhachi is a haunting instrument. I love its melancholy tones. But, then my tastes in music have always been unusual. I even like bagpipes. This is a story of awakening through music. It is a beautiful story, inspiring and uplifting. It's my latest favorite feel-good book. --The Messenger; January 15, 2012 A good book captivates-takes you to a different corner of the world and a different way of thinking. It's one you reach for again and again. Blowing Zen is such a good book. --Todd Shimoda, author of 365 Views of Mt. Fuji
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