Tibetans weave faith into music

PROMOTING TIBETAN BUDDHISM

Rigzin Drolma is from a devout Buddhist family in Qinghai. Her grandfather and his six siblings are all living Buddhas. When she was a child, her lullabies featured the blowing of conch shells and chanting of sutras. "Their rhythms are music to my ears and unforgettable."

After she graduated from Central Nationalities University in Beijing in 2013, she concentrated on sutra studies and monastic music creation. Sutra and prayers make up most of her songs.

"Tibetan music has always promoted Tibetan Buddhism, and many high monks used to teach the commandments through music and poetry," said Lung Rinchen.

Lung said he was delighted to see young musicians passionate about promoting Buddhism.

Degyitso, a Tibetan woman from Gansu Province, graduated from Central Nationalities University's school of art two years ago, but her research on the original plateau music began in 2007.

She has traveled to the Tibetan areas of Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai. "I want to take down every Tibetan song I hear, very often I take video and audio clips."

She said she was moved to tears when an old woman hummed an ancient tune to a newly enthroned living Buddha at a monastery in Sichuan Province earlier this year. "Her voice seemed to carry the very essence of Tibetan music. She was singing with her soul."

Degyitso believes good music should be simple and natural. "These are also among the most important factors for Tibetan music to tune in with the world."