By This Light, an album of chants and blessings

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 the brilliant producer and multi-instrumentalist Ben Leinbach (who has produced many of Jai Uttal’s albums). Peter Rowan , of bluegrass fame, Jay Daugherty , the drummer for the Pati Smith Band, Melanie DeMore , the astounding vocalist, and other artsits are lending their both their musical prowess and their spiritual energy to this project. The music is truly a transmission from the deep spiritual hearts of all the artists involved.

The projected budget for the album, which includes artists’ fees, recording fees, and cover art and marketing comes to $25,000. We have raised $18,000 to date and are hoping to raise another $7000 to complete the project. I am deeply grateful for your support.

To listen to some of the music, go here:

By This Light

And thank you so much for your support.

With palms joined,

Nina