The Dalai Lama - Inner World (Gaden Phodrang Foundation)

WHAT THE COVER LOOKS LIKE:

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WHAT WE SAY:

Quite surreally I'm now following the Dalai Lama on Spotify, as he's just released his debut album. I'm also happy to report it's very listenable. Check his gravelly Tibetan tones uttering words of wisdom over surprisingly satisfying, chilled, new age of New Age instrumentation.

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WHAT YOUR EARS SAY:

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WHAT THE RELEASE NOTES SAY:

“Music has the potential to transcend our differences. It can return us to our true nature of warm-heartedness. The very purpose of my life is to serve as much as I can. Music can help people in a way that I can’t.”
- The Dalai Lama

The origins of “Inner Word” began in 2015, when one of the project’s co-executive producers and a longtime student of The Dalai Lama, Junelle Kunin, wrote to him requesting his participation, by fervently explaining her feelings that an album by such a compassionate and wise being would help people particularly who struggle with emotional stress. After reading her letter, his response was enthusiastic, saying, “This will benefit many people!”. She and her husband Abraham Kunin, both from New Zealand, spent the next five years working to bring the project to life. The Dalai Lama’s recordings have been thread through music composed by Abraham and performed on thirty-plus instruments by himself and a cast of collaborators from around the world, including a special guest performance from Anoushka Shankar on “Ama La.” The composer integrated the live performances with artful programming and production, building a peaceful bedrock for these sacred offerings. 

The album will be released in conjunction with an “Inner World” companion booklet, revealing the benefits of the mantras written by Venerable Robina Courtin, and exclusive, stunning artwork; a collaboration between the acclaimed New Zealand duo of Ella Brewer (classically trained Thangka Painter) and Tiffany Singh (an award-winning visual artist). This particular work of theirs is a combination of traditional Tibetan and contemporary art. 

Net proceeds from the sales of “Inner World” will go to The Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama (Switzerland) chosen programs: Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning), an international K-12 education program and part of an academic collaboration between Emory University and His Holiness; and Mind & Life Institute, which brings science & contemplative wisdom together to better understand the mind & create positive change in the world.

To keep updated on this special project and join us with plans to celebrate His Holiness’ birthday in the coming weeks, please sign up to the newsletter here, and follow Inner World on Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.