The Buddha's Light International Association
presents
"Sounds of the Ganges River"

Established in 1978 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastic Choir has held numerous performances in renowned music halls throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and the United States. Toronto will be the first destination in the East coast during the 2004 North American performance tour.

Music speaks all languages. It transcends the boundaries of culture and spiritual practice. Buddhist music especially can enlighten listeners to the highest levels of spiritual sentiment. In the past, Buddhist music was used mainly in monasteries and temples. However, under the direction of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Chinese Buddhist music has now spread around the world through public performances that employ innovative staging technology.

With over fifty Buddhist monks and nuns, the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastic Choir will be offering an evening of an unforgettable performance of Chinese Buddhist music at the Roy Thomson Hall on October 22, 2004. They will be accompanied by Taipei Municipal Chinese Classical Orchestra.

The evening will have music performances using voice and Chinese instruments including erhu, dulcimer, bamboo flute, and drums enhanced with spectacular multimedia visuals. English translations of the lyrics will be provided.

Chinese Buddhist music originated around 225 CE and became unprecedentedly popular among both the nobility and common people during the Tang dynasty (618- 907 CE) - the golden period of Chinese Buddhism.

In the 1960's there was a revival of the art form when Venerable Master Hsing Yun compiled the "Sacred Songs of Buddhism". According to Venerable Master Chinese Buddhist music can inspire an inner calm and peacefulness.

Chinese Buddhist music evolved from Brahman chants of Indian monastic tradition. Through centuries of continuous development, it has matured into a unique style of spiritual expression. Chinese Buddhist music has five distinct characteristics namely righteousness, harmoniousness, clearness, profoundness, and persuasiveness. The exclusive style of vocal and melodic expression in Chinese Buddhist music is known as "sounds of the sea waves" which harmonizes one's breath and tenderness similar to the rhythm of the tides.

We sincerely invite you to join us in this extraordinary event and discover the serenity and solemnity of Chinese Buddhist music.

© 2004 • FGS Temple of Toronto • BLIA of Toronto
www.buddhistmusic.ca •   • phone: (905)814-0465