Dalai Lama to Release First Album Ever: “Inner World”

Buddhist leader and spiritual master, The Dalai Lama, will be releasing his first ever music album, titled “Inner World” on the 6th of July. The project has been worked on in collaboration with musician and practicing Buddhist Junelle Kunin.

Kunin, an ardent follower of The Dalai Lama set the wheels for this project in motion when she realised her guru’s teachings weren’t present in the form of music.

The journey to completing the album has been a long one, taking 5 years to reach the finish line. Junelle initially pitched the idea back in 2015 to the Office of His Holiness, but saw no progress. On a visit to India, she eventually pitched the idea to His Holiness The Dalai Lama himself. She finally got the go ahead. And thus, “Inner World” came to be. 

This project marks the first ever musical album by The Dalai Lama. The album explores various themes, from motherhood and love to wisdom, courage and healing. “Inner World” is a collection of the great master’s teachings, set to music. The music is produced by Junelle Kunin and her husband Abraham. 

A track titled “Compassion” from the album “Inner World” has already been released. Superstar sitar player and fusion musician, Anoushka Shankar, will also make a guest appearance on the album. 

Junelle Kunin revealed that His Holiness The Dalai Lama believes deeply in the power of music. The album, though conceived over 5 years, is just as relevant now as ever before, she explains: “The messages couldn’t be more poignant for our current social climate and needs as humanity”. 

“Inner World” by The Dalai Lama will be released on the 6th of July, the date of His Holiness’ 85th birthday. 

By: Ahalya Narayanan