The Japanese bamboo flute known as the shakuhachi has captivated the minds and hearts of listeners for centuries. Remarkably simple in design, it takes years to master. The sound is at once sensual and spiritual, capable of great emotional depth. James Nyoraku Schlefer is a virtuoso performer of traditional and contemporary shakuhachi music, an esteemed teacher in the kinko school, and a composer of new music for both Japanese and Western instruments.