Sanya (三谷) from Samazama (様様) by Markus Guhe

Sanya (三谷 – Three Valleys)

There are many variants of this piece. While the original meaning of the name was lost over time, many explanations have been offered since: it refers to the act of begging for alms by the komusō; it describes its melodic shape: three peaks of high notes surrounded by simpler, peaceful parts; it is a Japanese transcription of the Sanskrit word meaning meeting; it means mental concentration; it alludes to a semi-mythical abode of enlightened beings or to the ‘three jewels’ of Buddhism: the Buddha, the teachings and the community.

The piece originated in the Nagoya region.

I discovered the shakuhachi in Japan in 2012. Without knowing anything about the instrument I immediately took to the practice of playing because I found it to be a strangely satisfying activity. So I decided I wanted to 'get really good' at it. I received a master’s license in 2016. I play the traditional shakuhachi repertoire ('honkyoku') and combine the shakuhachi with taiko and electronics.

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