I decided to create the Six String Buddha podcast because it felt like it was the right time and the right medium for me to take action in contributing to “being the change I want to see in the world.” The idea was for me to utilize two of the things I’m most fond of and have spent the better part of my life practicing and studying; music and buddhism, in order to establish something that would be both entertaining and informative, but above all, would cultivate peace through dialogue.
I’ve been a musician for nearly my entire life. Music is part of my DNA. Whether I’m playing guitar or listening to Abbey Road for the thousandth time, I immerse myself in the joy and purity of the sound and I lose perception of time. It’s a powerful meditation and one I use daily. It beckons me to live in the moment, while the outside world speeds on, around me.
Music is a powerful vehicle, which I feel can be used to share and explain the profound, yet surprisingly practical teachings of buddhism. Music crosses cultures, cuts through boundaries and blurs differences between people, by creating a common ground that doesn’t discriminate or judge. Music lovers aren’t worried about the superficial differences between one another. They’re comrades, joined by the music they share the same affinity for. That’s why I believe music can be a bridge, to cross the ocean of indifference that separates us and instead, bring more of us together, at a time where there’s so much divisiveness.
There have always been certain lyrics that have spoken to me, either with an insight, or uplifting motivation, as though the artist knew exactly what I needed to hear... I know that’s the case with many people who use music as a means to help make sense of emotional incongruence.
The objective of the podcast and blog is to combine my own life experiences and the insights I’ve picked up along the way and, by utilizing metaphors that I hear in music and lyrics, present a buddhist perspective on dealing with the day to day difficulties, obstacles and hardships we all face throughout our lives.
For the last few years, I’ve noticed when I listen to music, especially the stuff I grew up listening to and loving, I can hear some of the wisdom I’ve gleaned from studying buddhism, hidden in the lyrics. Since there seems to be so much misconception about what buddhism is and what it’s not, I thought it would be helpful if there were a way for me to share this wisdom with people, who may not even realize that these concepts have already been planted in their minds over the years, while listening to their favorite songs.
My intention is to reach those that have come to a point, where life’s constant, chaotic grind has worn down their spirit and left them thirsty for something that provides the quench of hope, when hope has nearly dried up. Sometimes, just hearing something that offers a new perspective can become the catalyst for flipping on the switch of enlightenment and illuminating the darkness of ignorance and fear. Once that light shines on someone’s life, it puts everything into focus and enables them to see that same glow, emanating from everyone else. The more of us that have the ability to see that light, the less dark the world will seem.
This is my lantern…