Shakuhachi (尺八) is an Oriental
flute which is end blown as opposed to transverse. Tuned to a pentatonic scale it was used by
Zen Monks in the practice of
Suizen[?] (blowing meditation). It is made from the rootstock of bamboo and, despite its apparent simplicity, is a very versatile instrument. The Shaku is a measure of length and approximates to one imperial foot.