The 14th Dalai Lama has announced his debut album, Inner World. The 11-track record is comprised of teachings and mantras set to music. It is set to be released on July 6th, in commemoration of the Dalai Lama’s 85th birthday.
Inner World was made with the help of married New Zealand musicians Junelle and Abraham Kunin. As The Associated Press report, Junelle Kunin suggested the idea to the Dalai Lama’s office several years ago after trying to find a pairing of his teachings with music to act as a stress relief at work.
The idea was initially turned down. Though Kunin was given the opportunity to pitch again during a 2015 trip to India that saw her pass on a letter to one of the Dalai Lama’s assistance — this time, the proposition was accepted.
The record was co-produced by Junelle Kunin and Charles Goldstuck. It features instrumentals by sitar player Anoushka Shankar. The first cut from the body of work, ‘Compassion’, is available to listen to now.
“I’d never heard him speak like this. He really was so excited … he actually proceeded to explain to me how important music is,” Kunim shared of her recording session with the Dalai Lama. “He leaned forward and his eyes were sparkling, and his fingers were rubbing together and he [talked] about how music can help people in a way that he can’t; it can transcend differences and return us to our true nature and our good-heartedness.”
Proceeds from Inner World will benefit the Mind & Life Institute and well as Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning, an international education program developed by Emory University and the Dalai Lama.
Check out ‘Compassion’ by Dalai Lama:
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Inner World Track List
1. ‘The Buddha’
2. ‘One Of My Favourite Prayers’
3. ‘Compassion’
4. ‘Courage’
5. ‘Ama La’
6. ‘Healing’
7. ‘Wisdom’
8. ‘Purification’
9. ‘Protection’
10. ‘Children’
11. ‘Humanity’
