Playing On Your Back

One useful way to get a sense of full relaxed breathing is to play shakuhachi while lying on your back.

When you lie on your back and take a deep breath, it is easy to feel the breath going deep into your lungs. You clearly feel your belly rise and your lower back push against the floor as you breathe in, and you clearly feel your belly collapse and your lower back slightly lift away from the floor as you play a note. You may find that you play in a very beautiful relaxed way when lying on your back -- though unfortunately meri's are very difficult!

Try to keep this relaxed, deep breathing, lying-on-your-back feeling while playing in more conventional positions. Remember the sensations in your belly and lower back.