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Total Album Time:63:03
A place of peace, tranquility and happiness – the mythical kingdom of Shambhala is hidden in the depths of the Himalayas and our hearts. It is said that only those who have attained enlightenment ever reach Shambhala, though many have searched for it following whispers of the “pure land” across Tibet.
Legends say that only the pure of heart can live in Shambhala, enjoying perfect ease and happiness and never knowing suffering, want or old age… Catch a glimpse of Shambhala with this unique compilationas it carries you away to that legendary land of serenity and bliss with its enchanting melodies and meditative compositions.
Shambhala is a compilation of spiritually-themed songs from some of the label’s top artists. Though diverse, the selections are tied together by their emphasis on Asian elements and a euphoric sense of tranquility. The album begins with the Indian-edged “New Moon” from Chinmaya Dunster, with its subtle blend of sitar and bansuri flute. Tulku’s “Kaando Kaney Mon” showcases Indian vocals and gentle drone-inflected ambience. Tracks by Lisa Lynne, Parijat and Kamal are instrumental, putting the listener in a mindset for meditation with their airy, uplifting melodies. Also included on the album is music by chant duo Rasa, Deuter and Kavi.
--Music Design
I have some mixed feelings about this disc. While I really like the music, I’m not completely sure what the tracks have to do with the legendary Buddhist kingdom, so on one level, it feels a bit like one more company co-opting yet another Buddhist term (Zen, karma, Nirvana… when will it stop?). Perhaps a better title would be “Music inspired by Shambhala” or something like that. At any rate, the music itself is first rate. Nicely relaxing and soothing, the cd is great to listen to on the way to work or after a long day… or anytime, really.
--Todd Mayville
Elephant Journal
In Buddhism Shambala is the mythical kingdom hidden in the Himalayas that only those "who have attained enlightenment" ever reach. You've perhaps experienced its beauty in momentary glimmers, as has everyone who's ever had a breakthrough that lands them suddenly in the perfect beauty of the moment. This lovingly assembled mix keeps its ear out for that moment with a mix of softly moving, deeply centered tracks that aid and enhance a range of healing activities˜from yoga, Reiki, and meditation to after-hours slow-dancing or a meditation that slides almost immediately into an afternoon nap. Moving from the ecstatic and mystical, eastern-accented tracks by Chinmaya Dunster, Rasa, and Parijat to the Celtic courtly elegance of tracks like Lisa Lynne's "Winds of Peace," and even the extended trip-hop beats and vocals of Kavi's "Harmonic Vibration," the album is designed for a standard meditation format: slow relaxation and buildup to an intense peak and then back down to a relaxed! reengagement with the world.
Chinmaya Dunster's "New Moon" opens the album with the gently coiling buzz of a tamboura, which awakens the spine like low electricity, while a willowy flute breathes gently, controlled, with barely audible, slow percussion in the background. Tulku's "Kaando Kaney Mon" shuffles along afterward with elegant tablas and a gorgeously swooning Indian female vocal. From there takeoff should be a breeze.
Closing things on a graceful note is Deuter's "Hands of Love," a gossamer vision of mournful flute and glacial beds of synthesizer strings. It‚s soft and gentle, yet profound enough to feel the bottom of your soul tugging at you to listen closer, closer, until you realize that you were just in Shambhala and now you're already leaving and don't know how to get back. Like an ever inwardly winding breadcrumb trail, you're both out of the woods and in deeper than you've ever dreamed. Of course it's also a good CD to have in the background as you clean the porch or sort through the mail˜that's all Shambhala too.
DailyOM Music
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Koyasan | Deuter
