Daughter of legendary musician Ravi Shankar is all elated for being a featured artist in the debut album of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Anoushka Shankar has inherited her father as a sitarist is walking on clouds for being a part of such a unique and precious musical project. The spiritual leader’s first album of mantras and teachings will be released on his 85th birthday.
The Grammy nominated sitar player and composer, daughter of Sitar maestro popularly known as Pandit Ravi Shankar announced recently that she will be a featured artist on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s first music album. She has said that the opportunity is a dream project that will released on July 6 this year.
“And pinch me, but I get to announce I’m a featured artist on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s first music album, releasing in July! Oh my…” Sitarist Anoushka Shankar said in a recently interview.
The Dalai Lama – “Inner World” is a sacred offering of mantras and teachings from the spiritual leader set to music. The album Out July 6th this year in the honor of His Holiness’ 85th Birthday. “Compassion”, the first track out now, sets the tone of the album, by cultivating love and empathy for ourselves and all beings.
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.
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.