CD REVIEW: ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ captures cultural flavor, teachings of spiritual leader

By Diana Nollen

The music is exotic but the words are universal on the soundtrack “Dalai Lama Renaissance.”

This collection of music by various Eastern artists, the words of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and narration by Harrison Ford is taken from the documentary film of the same name. It requires thoughtful listening and lasts about 66 minutes, so it seems well suited for a discussion group, road-trip or even an afternoon of casual contemplation.

It begins with a short prayer for the venerated patron saint of Tibet, sung by Techung, followed by the Ford's rich voice saying, “Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.” That simple, powerful statement leads into lovely, reflective instrumental music that evokes the exiled Dalai Lama's Tibetan homeland.

“Each human being has the responsibility, or moral responsibility, to think about humanity and to think about the future of human beings,” he says, before the music continues.

News reports provide historical context for the life he has led after fleeing Chinese persecution in 1959 to live in India, where he can speak freely and teach his followers or anyone open to his messages of striving to live in harmony.

You certainly don't have to be Buddhist to appreciate the teachings of this man, now 74, who at age 2, was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. These teachers are believed to be enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana to be reborn and serve humanity. (For more information, go to www.dalailama.com)

The music that weaves through the spoken words is sometimes mysterious and often joyous. Styles vary from monastic chants to one track that sounds like an American country music instrumental.

Especially engaging is the longest track, “Snow Lion of Peace,” by Techung, which lasts 7 minutes and 33 seconds.

One quick blip in “Drops of Gold” even has a hip-hop flavor, when Ford speaks the ancient Chinese proverb, “Words are mere bubbles of water, but deeds are drops of gold.” He continues that thought saying, “But you, yourself, must make the effort. The Buddhas are only teachers.”

That leads into another passage in which the Dalai Lama, says: “Through the birth, we have every right to have happy life.”

This soundtrack vividly captures the rich culture and messages from this man who continues his tireless pursuits for peace in his homeland and beyond.

Eastern Iowans have the rare opportunity to hear him speak Tuesday, May 18, 2010, in the McLeod Center at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. His morning panel discussion and afternoon lecture will be shown live online; follow the links at http://live.uni.edu/

FAST TAKEInformation: www.uni.edu/dalailama

Title: “Dalai Lama Renaissance,” documentary soundtrack

Artists: Various musicians; with words of the Dalai Lama and narration by Harrison Ford

Label: White Swan

Dalai Lama in Iowa: Tuesday, May 18, 2010, University of Northern Iowa's McLeod Center, 2501 Hudson Rd., Cedar Falls

Morning: “A Conversation with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet: Educating for a Non-violent World,” 9:30 to 11 a.m., McLeod Center; $15 general public, free for UNI students, at (319) 273-4849, www.unitix.uni.edu or McLeod Center and Gallagher-Bluedorn ticket offices

Afternoon: SOLD-OUT: Joy Cole Corning Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series, “The Power of Education,” 2 to 3:30 p.m., McLeod Center

Watch online: Both events can be seen live; find links at http://live.uni.edu