Chanting with Soundscape

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​At the request of several close students who had enjoyed and benefitted from previous 'Devotional Chanting with Music' projects, I agreed to embark upon another series, this time in collaboration with Christopher Conway.

Previously we had never really had the time or resources to truly work as sincerely as possible to produce something of true beauty (although many felt that we did ok!) But with generous offers of support from several people who could envision the potential benefits, this time around Chris and I have been able to spend more time and to take more care than was possible with previous collaborations.

With improvements in digital recording device technology I was able to record chanting in Anandagiri's Dhamma Hall when I felt especially inspired... then simply send the file along to Chris without ever even stepping into a studio! (Which some people might feel inappropriate for a Buddhist monk) Chris is a multi-instrumentalist as well as a digital music producer, so he was perfectly capable of taking a raw voice file and adding layers of suitable music to produce a natural sounding chant with an enigmatic 'soundscape.'

These chants with soundscape have been presented and offered here as a supplement to a traditional chanting practice, but not as a replacement. I feel that they can be helpful during potentially stressful situations such as while being stuck in traffic jams, or to assist in placing one's mind in a happier state after a particularly stressful day at work. (or even while convalescing with some serious illness or injury when more traditional chanting might not be an option.) Many people have used the previous chants in similar ways already. 

Sometimes hearing qualities like faith, devotion, gratitude, or love and respect in another's voice can incline our hearts to resonate in similar ways. These are the qualities I have tried to communicate in the chanting. My own love, respect and gratitude for Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha... as well as for the Bodhisattas, or future Buddhas. Like any artistic endeavor inevitably some people will appreciate these chants with music and some will not. They are offered here as a gift, which you may freely choose to make use of or not. Certainly I hope that you may find them uplifting and helpful.

With Metta and every best wish... 

(Ajahn Achalo)

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