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Putting Gospel into Buddhist Music |
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The songs on "Come to the Temple Within" are intended as inspirational music in the same jubilant, welcoming way as any other gospel music. They are meant to find homes in any place of worship--that is, any circumstance that compels deep prayer for, or profound attention to, the life we lead and share. These songs are called 'Buddhist' simply as a way to signal their expression of hub Buddhist precepts such as compassion and liberation. Otherwise, these are 'open-path/open heart' songs offered as reminders of and yearnings for human indivisibility. This album is a byproduct of 'One-Mind' belief and practice with its strong intuitive emphasis on unity-in-diversity. As Zen Buddhists say, "Touch one part of the web and the whole quivers." This album is therefore expansive in approach, deliberately wide-ranging in style and encompasses pop, rock, country, jazz, hymn, lullaby, Eastern and classical. With every track, the musical arrangement was determined by the song itself. After all, salvation--a quest common to these songs--can be sought and found in an astonishing variety of circumstances. Three Won Buddhist hymns have been recast with contemporary musical arrangements, and three songs inspired by Won Buddhist hymns are also on the album. Other songs are based on experiences triggered by prayer and meditation. The song "For Iris" reflects on the suffering of Alzheimer's patients--in particular, author Iris Murduch. "Only God Will Do" reaches, through feverish despair, the blessed state of deliverance. Songs like "From the Heart," "Look to the Shore of Nirvana," "Dancing in Rivers Tonight," and "It's a Short Walk to the Valley" celebrate our gratitude for this lifetime. These songs are meant to be sung. Please do. |
Songs
on the Album
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