Dalai Lama will release first album in July
Inner World, the Dalai Lama’s first album is set to be released on July 6, his 85th birthday. The 11-track project, featuring teachings and mantras by the Dalai Lama set to music, was released in conjunction with a companion booklet.
“The entire purpose of this project is to try to help people,” said Junelle Kunin, a New Zealand Buddhist who first had the idea for the album. “It’s not a Buddhist project, it’s to help everyday people like myself, even though I am Buddhist. The messages couldn’t be more poignant for our current social climate and needs as humanity.”
Net proceeds from the sales of the album will benefit Mind and Life Institute as well as Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning, an international education program developed by Emory University and the Dalai Lama.
Grammy-nominated sitar player Anoushka Shankar makes a guest appearance on the album, playing on “Ama La,” a track honoring mothers. Shankar said being invited to perform on the album was “a huge honor.”
Dozens of other musicians were invited to help with the project. —Associated Press
