Guitar paradise

http://www.guitarshredshow.com/

Guitar... hmmm... awesome site... makes me want to learn how to play. Been digging around some Forum boards and reading stuff that musicians post up and it seems that instruments with Frets are easier to play than those that are fretless (ie Violin). Apparently, fretless instruments require a fair bit of skill/technique and a good ear to get the pitch correct, whereas fret instruments like guitars just needs to know where to put your fingers and some skill.

Of course there's that amount of 'feel' that a musician must have - and I agree too - music only sounds good if the musician pours his/her soul into the music. If you feel sad and play even the happiest music sounds sarcastic.

I haven't picked up my violin for ages... I think it has been about 3 months since I touched it - and even before that I think about a year. Makes me think why I have that instrument lying around in the corner of my bedroom. I love music, but my heart isn't into it... dunno why - it's not because I don't like to play the violin, in fact I do. However, I guess I lack the confidence to play without music or to jam with others. I always want to do a 'jamming' session with a band - I mean now a days, rock music can include a violin also ^.^

I guess with anything, one must be dedicated and self-improve first with a destination/goal in mind to achieve it. And that 'goal' must be a strong determination - it's no use to sit around longing for something and keeping it in ones heart.

I recently read a guidance from UK Express (SGI-UK magazine) and they mentioned something quite important; they said something about how most of us are afraid or limit ourselves to fully utilize the practice of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. How we don't face our fears or chant for our dreams - instead we usually keep it locked up in our hearts. I think they have a point, we do tend to not do things because we fear 'judgement' from others or that 'it isn't what people normally would do'. But all of these are self-imposed limitations - even if it is imposed by authorities or by the people around you, in the end, YOU made the choice of NOT chanting or determining for that dream/hope/desire.

I think we can chant for anything; and I mean anything at all. I will even go so far to say even bad things. Why? Well, eventually through our chanting process we will realize or find ourselves in circumstances that won't allow the 'bad' things we chant for to occur. Any dreams/desire/hope we might have that creates value for yourself and those around you will eventuate. This is because of how we are integral to the society and environment around you - what we Buddhist refer to as esho-funi; oneness of man and environment.

Maybe I should start out with chanting to be a great violinist too - I have a heartfelt desire to be a musician also and to play the violin to lift the spirits of those around me.