Freedom Chants from the Roof of the World

The Gyuto Monks, The World (Rykodisc/Mickey Hart Series)

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 25, 1989)
• Original Release Date: 1989
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rykodisc
• ASIN: B0000009UB
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #32,167 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > World Music > Far East & Asia > Tibet

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Recorded in America during the Chinese crackdown on Tibet, two of these three extended tracks feature 21 monks from the 500-year-old Gyüto Tantric Order, chanting for freedom and world peace. Beautifully recorded, it features the monks, each singing two and three note polyphonics from the throat, accompanied by occasional percussion and ceremonial horns in trance-inducing meditations to the Buddhist deities Yamantaka and Mahakala. Cosmic harmony and tolerance are well served by these uplifting incantations which constitute some of the best recordings of this uniquely Tibetan sacred music. A bonus to this spiritual and transcendental endeavor is a track by Mickey Hart, Phillip Glass, and Kitaro, live in front of an audience (and the monks) in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. --Derek Rath

From the Label
The Monks produce polyphonic chanting of incredible power and depth, creating resonances both musical and spiritual. This program also features a performance offering to The Monks by Mickey Hart, Kitaro and Philip Glass and featuring Jerry Garcia.

It is important to remember, when listening to this recording, that these incantations are not songs, but prayers from ancient ritual traditions. Recorded during their 1988 American tour, in the sonically amazing confines of Lucasfilm's Skywalker Ranch sound studios, two nearly-30-minute recitations focus traditional Tibetan Buddhist deities and their respective powers upon the modern world. "Yamantaka" aligns the Monks with the divine Buddha form "Terminator of Death," chanting to exorcise human afflictions of anger, avarice, lust and envy. "Mahakala," the frightening six-armed protector, is invoked in this eponymous ceremony to protect the earth and all its inhabitants. A third track, "#2 for Gaia," is a live performance by Mickey Hart, Philip Glass, and Kitaro, recorded at New York's Cathedral of St. John the Divine as a tribute to the Monks, who were in attendance at the performance. Proceeds from all sales of this recording benefit the Gyuto Sacred Trust.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars amazing music, February 25, 2003

By	T. Del Giudice "tanfeliz" (Fayettenam) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

words cannot explain the experience of this music. to play it is to spread peace to all sentient beings. i play this CD often, even when i cannot personally listen to it -- for example if i am in another area of the house or leaving. life is improved by these tones, and my house retains the happiness vibrations. most highly recommended.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Raw Power, May 14, 1998

By A Customer

The discipline and stamina these men possess is awe-inspiring. Why aren't we ALL Buddhists, when they can produce results like this?

The throaty, multitonal sounds of the Tibetan monks is sure to pry you out of whateber musical space you were in before hearing them. They MEAN it, unlike almost every other singer out there. You'll find yourself carried along by the power of their muscular voices, and pushed just a little farther by their brother instrumentalists on bells and horns. The final track, a "jam" between them and the Mickey Hart ensemble, is also quite impressive and worthy of separate attention.

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars change, June 8, 2000

By A Customer

Well if you want to know what tibet chanting is about ,this is it.if not open minded you might not be open to this at first,but if you just think about what these peaceful monks are doing and understand why they are chanting you might change your mind and your outlook.I am very good friends with the lead chanter SONAM.He is not a monk anymore but he still has the peace that all sentient beings desire.This cd is wonderful..an even better one is THE GYUTO MONKS:tibetan tantric choir(from 1987).ENJOY and FREE TIBET