By This Light
By This Light is a collection of songs and chants based on Buddhist liturgy as taught by Anam Thubten Rimpoche. With his encouragement and endorsement, I am putting together an album that invites you to listen or sing along, meditate or even dance to as a way of awakening the heart.
During the past years of disruption and isolation due to the pandemic and the heartbreak of the increasing polarity in our political landscape, I found myself at the keyboard with Anam Thubten’s prayers laid out before me. Melodies arose. As I sang, my heart and mind relaxed and the wisdom of the words took residence inside of me. Chanting in this way became a joyful way to practice; a way, as Anam Thubten says, “to rewire the brain,” and find the peace that lies at the center of our being.
I am working with producer and multi-instrumentalist Ben Leinbach (who has produced many of Jai Uttal’s albums) on a recording of the collection of chants.
The projected budget for the album, which includes artists’ fees, recording fees, and cover art comes to $25,000. I am deeply grateful for your support.
“I was deeply moved and ignited when I listened to one of Nina’s chants — my heart just soared! Her music evoked such an unexpected depth of emotion.
I’m eagerly awaiting the release of the album. I’ll use the chants in all of my workshops and classes, and I can’t wait to share the gift of her music with all of my
students around the world. ”
Chants and songs will include the following and many will integrate Anam Thubten singing:
Refuge
Kindness: Om Mani Padme Hum
Butter Lamp Blessing
All Things Are Impermanent
Wisdom Dakini
By This Merit: Gate Gate
And So We Reap
An excerpt from “Kindness”
Composed by Nina Wise and Ben Leinbach, Nina Wise (vocals), Ben Leinbach (vocals, keyboard, bass, glockenspiel, ukelele, production), Ellen Kreston (cello), Melanie DeMore (vocals), Anam Thubten (vocals).
An excerpt from “May We All Be a Light”
Nina Wise (vocals and composing), Ben Leinbach (vocals, guitar, bass, shaker), Peter Rowan, (vocals, guitar)
Anam Thubten Rinpoche in the recording studio
Our musicians at work
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