Temple Shakuhachi Mantra

The track is a unique combination of the Tibetan mantra for Medicine Buddha interwoven with Zen shakuhachi flute.

Adrian was blessed to host Lama Geshe Ahbay Tulku Rinpoche in his house for a few days in September 2023. They spent time together in Adrian’s studio, and from this meeting came the beautiful duet which closes out the One Thousand Petals album.

“This encounter I had with Ahbay Rinpoche, and the time we spent together in my home chanting and recording Tibetan mantras was such a precious time. The recording of my shakuhachi with Rinpoche’s voice came as the final wish-fulfilling jewel in the long process of creating this album.”

Adrian Freedman

Lama Ahbay Tulku Jiigme Thupten Tendar Rinpoche (Ahbay Rinpoche) is a highly respected Tibetan monk, recognised by His Holiness The Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of hermit Lama Ahbay Lobsang Tenzin Rinpoche and head of the Yega Choling Monastery. This position makes him responsible for many monks based in exile in South India.

Adrian was invited to play shakuhachi for a private audience with His Holiness The Dalai Lama in 2016 Kyoto, and through this connection he came to know Ahbay Rinpoche, and that led to the opportunity to collaborate on the recording for this album.

“When Ahbay Rinpoche came to my studio it was unlike any other recording session. He arrived at my house the night before the session with an extremely heavy suitcase. I came to understand that it was full of metal statues of Tibetan Bodhisattvas. After breakfast he spent the better part of two hours setting up an elaborate altar with these statues, candles, flowers, images and other offerings. It was quite astonishing to have this powerful, colourful altar among the recording equipment in the studio, and to have Rinpoche wearing his full ceremonial regalia in front of the microphone. The whole session felt like more of a blessing ceremony than a recording session, and how wonderful to have this track to close out the album.”

Adrian Freedman

Tayatha
Om Bekandze Bekandze
Maha Bekandze
Randza Samungate Soha

May the many sentient beings who are suffering be freed of all pain. May this suffering never arise again.

This mantra is said to help with healing, protect from disease, and help people attain enlightenment. It is also believed to be particularly powerful for those who are sick, whether in body, mind or spirit.

The Medicine Buddha is known as Bhaisajyaguru, Master of Healing, Supreme Physician. He is described as a doctor who cures suffering using the medicine of his teachings.

The word “bekandze” means “the elimination of suffering” and is repeated three times for the removal of suffering on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. The three repetitions can also be viewed as eliminating the three poisons of ignorance, hatred, and attachment.

Medicine Buddha Vows

The Medicine Buddha is the name of a Bodhisattva: one who has pledged to remain with Earth until all beings are liberated.

• I vow that my body shall shine as beams of brilliant light on this world and that my teachings shall remove all ignorance.
• I vow that my body be like crystal, radiating rays of light to every corner and bringing wisdom to all beings. May all beings strengthen their spiritual power and physical energy to fulfill their dreams and purposes in life.
• I vow that I shall grant through boundless wisdom all the things that beings require, and relieve them from pain and guilt resulting from materialistic desires. All shall be generously shared so that all live harmoniously together.