Buddhist music is a profound and spiritual form of artistic expression that seeks to convey the teachings of Buddhism through sound. It serves as both a meditative practice and a medium for spreading the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) to the wider public. Central to this tradition is Chan music, a unique genre that embodies the principles of Chan Buddhism, merging music with deep meditative practice.
Chan Music: A Spiritual and Artistic Practice
Chan music is more than just a musical performance; it is an expression of the Chan practitioner’s meditative state. The music is a personal reflection of the practitioner’s thoughts, emotions, and spiritual journey. Unlike traditional performances where an actor portrays a character, Chan music requires the performer to express their own life story, making the teachings of Buddhism relatable and accessible to the audience.
The purpose of Chan music is to present Buddhism in a relaxed and enjoyable form, allowing the public to experience the benefits of the Dharma in a way that is both engaging and profound. The performance content often explores themes like the beauty of human nature, the transient nature of life, and the importance of virtue and love. In Chan music, body language, voice, and instrumental music are used to convey the purity and beauty of a life detached from worldly desires, which is the hallmark of Tiantai Chan music monks.
The symphony is an integral part of Chan music as performed by the Jinghui Guangxuan Orchestra. Symphony, traditionally regarded as the pinnacle of musical achievement, is symbolic of the Chan practitioner’s journey towards spiritual enlightenment. The process of creating a symphony requires unity and cooperation, mirroring the Buddhist practice of “no-self”, where the ego is set aside for the collective good. This orchestral collaboration exemplifies the Chan ideal of communal harmony and the pursuit of a shared spiritual goal.
Chanting is a traditional form of Buddhist music that is strictly tied to Buddhist content and practices. Chan music, however, offers more flexibility. It is performed by Chan practitioners in a meditative manner and may include themes that are not strictly Buddhist. While chanting is a typical Buddhist art, Chan music is deeply intertwined with Chan practice and meditation, making it a unique and spiritually rich form of music.
The Tiantai Temple Buddhist Music Academy
The Tiantai Temple Buddhist Music Academy, supported by a number of top Chinese artists, was established to further the integration of Buddhist practice and music education. Renowned artists such as Liang Danan and Ye Xiaogang have been instrumental in the development of the academy, regularly guiding and teaching Chan music monks. The academy serves as a vital institution for cultivating high-quality monks who are not only proficient in Buddhist teachings but also in the arts and culture.
Under the leadership of esteemed figures like Liang Danan and Zhu Yaoxi, the academy offers comprehensive training that includes both musical and spiritual education. The educational affairs department focuses on teaching young students, ensuring that the next generation of monks is well-versed in Buddhism, art, and culture. This holistic approach to education is essential for the revitalization of Buddhism, as it ensures that monks are not only spiritually enlightened but also culturally enriched.
The academy’s founding was deeply inspired by Master Shi Wule, who dedicated 14 years to seclusion and hard work in the mountains, cultivating a new generation of Chan monks. His vision has attracted Chan practitioners from across the country to Tiantai Temple, where they now train in an environment that seamlessly integrates monastic life with higher education. The academy’s establishment marks a significant step in preserving and promoting the ancient traditions of Chan music while adapting them to contemporary contexts.
The Jinghui Guangxuan Orchestra and the Tiantai Temple Buddhist Music Academy together represent a unique fusion of Buddhist practice and musical artistry. Through their performances and educational efforts, they not only showcase the beauty and depth of Buddhist teachings but also invite the audience to engage with these teachings in a meaningful and meditative way. Buddhist music, especially Chan music, continues to serve as both a spiritual practice and a means of promoting peace and understanding across cultures.