The Dalai Lama announces debut album ‘Inner World’

The Dalai Lama has announced he will release a debut album called ‘Inner World’ on July 6 to mark his 85th birthday.

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The 11-track LP is described as “a sacred offering of mantras and teachings set to music” and will arrive alongside an accompanying booklet explaining the benefits of the teachings, which is written by Buddhist nun Venerable Robina Courtin.

The Dalai Lama said: "Music has the potential to reach many more people with the message that the real source of happiness is warm-heartedness and a concern for others.

“The very purpose of my life is to serve as much as I can. Music can help people in a way that I can’t.”

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‘Inner World’ will be released through Khandro Music. The artwork has been made by New Zealand artists Ella Brewer and Tiffany Singh.

Net proceeds will be donated to Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning), an educational initiative chosen by The Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama.

The first track from the album ‘Compassion’ is out now. It features one of Buddhism’s most famous prayers - which is said to "open our hearts and bring us closer to others" - set to a soothing ambient backing. Listen below.