The first song is called “Igwe”. God Almighty who does good, God whom I am proud of, Igwe, Igwe, Only You are God. Our next song is “Great and Mighty”. Great and Mighty are You Jesus, Glory to the Lamb of God. Lord we lift our hands in worship. We magnify Your Holy Name. Our last song “By and By” is a lively Reggae Gospel. Send the Light, send the Light. Oh, Lord Jehovah. Send the Light into my soul.

Since ancient times, humans have expressed their love and longing for God through singing and music. These holy songs connect us with the Divine and remind us of our heavenly home. In a sense, these blessed singers and songwriters are the messengers of God helping deliver sacred messages in all musical genres. Supreme Master Ching Hai once expressed the following praise for these artists: The artists are able to emulate the heavenly melodies and the beauties from above and try to express them on Earth as much as they can through their physical instrument and vocal. Because in Heaven, everything is so glorious and beyond imagination — full of Divine light and celestial sounds of music.

The Mongolian people are devout spiritual seekers. Their sincerity in searching for spiritual elevation is expressed through many songs that praise and worship the Divine. Today, we would like to introduce three of these sacred songs. The first, “Khelkhee Ayalguu,” is a folk song that was performed by M. Saruultugs of the Erdenet Ensemble at the 2nd International Artist Day Celebration concert, “Awakening through Art,” in 2018. The song “Khelkhee Ayalguu,” expresses worship for the Great Burkhan Khaldun mountain and Mother Nature. Our next song is called “Tsagaan Shukhert” or “Blessing from the White Goddess.” The White Goddess in the song refers to our beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai. Ms. Erdenechimeg’s voice seems to have brought sunlight into our hearts. Our last song, called “Queen Mother of the Universe,” was dedicated to Supreme Master Ching Hai by Ganchimeg, a state-honored artist of Mongolia at Mongolia’s Save Our World Concert. “From the Buddha’s Land, You descended on Earth, taking care of our destiny bestowing Your lullaby upon us.”

The traditional architecture of a country reflects its unique culture, and even spiritual attainment to a certain degree. As early as the Yayoi period (300 BC - 300 AD), the ancient Japanese constructed storage houses called Kura, as Buddhism grew in popularity, Kura evolved into large - scale Buddhist temples. One of the most unique features of Japanese architecture is Gassho - Zukuri, a roof resembling Buddhist praying hands pointed to the sky. Japanese architecture is strongly influenced by Zen ideology and there is great emphasis on integrating nature into building designs. Influenced by Zen Buddhist teachings of peace and simplicity, the Japanese people love their living space clean, uncluttered, and in order.

Since ancient times, singing has been mainly a female attribute in Bulgaria, while men mostly serve as instrumentalists. The powerful resonance, range, texture, and its penetrating quality are the most distinct characteristics of the Bulgarian voice. The songs are mostly traditional folk ballads, with the lyrics emphasizing people’s everyday feelings and lives. This simple, yet “straight from the heart” from allows the Bulgarians to express their deepest feelings, let go of difficult situations, and connect with their Divine nature. In the 1950’s, a famous Bulgarian composer, Filip Kutev, gathered female singers from all corners of the country, even remote villages, to form the first ever female choir. Today the choir, Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares, or Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices, continues to touch the souls of people around the world. Let’s listen to an excerpt from a song entitled “Polegnala e Todora,” or “Todora Fell Asleep.” There is a natural transcending energy that seems to flow from the beautiful harmonies. “Todora fell asleep, Maiden Todoro, Todoro, Todora fell asleep, Maiden Todoro, Todoro, Under a tree, under an olive tree.”

The Bandura was believed to be a companion of humanity, producing heavenly reverberations to comfort our souls in this material world. This exceptional instrument originates from the spiritual culture of the ancient Sumero-Akkadian civilization. The Akkadians played early versions of the Bandura in their religious events as well as in festivities and for entertainment. Later, the charming instrument was introduced into eastern European countries. The beautiful bandura where several distinctly recognizable styles are used in performances. Many Ukrainian people considered these singing bandurists to be “God’s messengers,” or “vessels of God’s word.” Like their musical predecessors, modern-day folk bandurists assimilate melodies from a wide range of inspirations. Let’s now enjoy a delightful solo by a famous bandurist, Victor Mishalow, as he performs for the National Library of Australia Collection.

Buddhism has been a part of Korean culture for over 2,000 years and its deep influence is evident in Korea’s magnificent temples, paintings, literature, statues of great Buddha and Bodhisattvas, and non-violent vegan temple food. In addition, Buddhism has enriched the songs and instrumental music of Korea. Buddhist prayer chants have long been played as offerings at traditional sacred ceremonies. Buddha’s enlightened teachings such as detachment, letting go and compassion have also inspired many modern-day musicians. On today’s program, we’re excited to present three contemporary Buddhist songs. The first is “When the Wind Comes”. Our next pieces are “ An Amazing Lotus Flower”, “The Waiting Heart”.

Since ancient times, humans have expressed their love and longing for God through singing and music. These holy songs connect us with the Divine and remind us of our heavenly Home. The artists are able to emulate the heavenly melodies and the beauties from above and try to express them on Earth as much as they can through their physical instrument and vocals. Sufism is a noble and beautiful branch of Islamic faith that is practiced in various regions across the world. Sufism focuses on the inward search for God and spiritual development of the soul. Because of so, Sufism is often referred to as Islamic mysticism. Today, let us enjoy a few devotional songs of Sufism.

In fact, their firm belief is that they are the guardians of the heart of the world. With deep spiritual insight. Seeking to uplift global awareness on the vital need to safeguard the environment, the Kogi worked with BBC filmmaker Alan Ereira to make a 1990 film entitled “From the Heart of the World: The Elder Brothers’ Warning.” The work’s message is clear - the Kogi are gravely concerned about the future of our planet, and we, their “younger brothers,” must change our ways to protect the Earth.

Guelaguetza represents the longstanding, great occasion where native Oaxacans worshipped the ancient goddess of maize “Xilonen.” In order to pray for a bountiful harvest in the coming months, the people would gather and hold ceremonies and rituals. The modern-day festival is dedicated to the goddess of maize called “Centeotl”. The word “Guelaguetza” comes from a Zapotec term meaning “reciprocal exchange of gifts and services.” In other words, it is an event celebrating the spirit of sharing and giving, which is what makes a family, community, and county strong.

Today is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, and to mark the occasion, we are excited to share with you an introduction to an extraordinary album celebrating unity, music and traditional culture. “Small Island Big Song” that unites indigenous island musicians who share an ancient seafaring ancestry across the two oceans. The album was composed and recorded in nature, on the artists’ custodial land, with all songs featuring only traditional instruments and lyrics in indigenous languages. Over a hundred musicians from 16 island nations are showcased.

In this landscape of green mountains and clear rivers, apart from the heavenly chorus of the Dong people, the folk songs of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups are also well known. March 3rd of the lunar calendar is the date of one of the most splendid traditional festivals for the Zhuang ethnic group. On this day, men and women as well as children and the elderly costumes to participate in the Folk Song Fair of the Double Third Festival. Through songs, they pray for favorable weather as well as pay tribute to their ancestors and the gods. Zhuang villages are known as “the sea of songs.” Zhuang singers are all masters of language. They converse with each other through songs and express their hearts by singing.

In this 2-part program, we celebrate the cultural traditions of respecting elders around the world across various religions. In Asian societies, honoring elders is one of the fundamental principles. For example, in the Chinese culture, there is a saying, “among hundreds of moral behaviors, the virtue of being filial comes first” The long tradition of Filial Virtue or Filial Piety is considered the highest virtue in Chinese culture. It is more than just respect, and also includes love, care for, support, and devotion to the elderly. Honoring the elders extends to older siblings, family members, teachers, and citizens of high position in the Chinese culture. This moral principle contributes to establishing a peaceful society. In Âu Lạc, also known as Vietnam, there are usually many generations living together in one household. This allows all the generations to support and care for one another. In almost all the cultures of the Orient, there is a common reverence for elders for their wisdom, lifelong hard work, and all the sacrifices for family.

And that’s how I was taught as a dancer: that when I’m making my own regalia, that I’m praying to the Creator that whatever I’m wearing will strengthen me while I’m dancing, strengthen me for the people I pray for. But most of all, strengthen myself for what my mother brought to me from her side of the family. Part of being a dancer is we really have to become humble. And that’s how we get the connection between Mother Earth and the Heavenly skies. And the only way I can explain it to you is, it’s kind of like an electric vibration…

Senior citizens are an invaluable source of precious wisdom and provide us with love, understanding, and advice whenever we are in need. In Greek culture, elders are associated with wisdom and closeness to God. In ancient times, sages and oracles were mostly associated with the wise older men and women. It was noted in the history of ancient Sparta that politeness for elders was customary. In Ancient Rome, elders were respected for their wisdom and virtue , and were often looked up to as role models for the young. In many European nations, especially northern countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Germany, are deemed the “best region in the world for the elderly.” Governments ensure their seniors are well cared for by providing quality healthcare and generous pensions. Africans regard their elders as treasures, and expected to pass down knowledge, beliefs, and precious traditions to the younger generations. In Australia, the native Aboriginal people believe that respect is an essential virtue everyone must have, and is the foundation of harmonious relationships between humans, and with the natural environment. Care and respect for our elders is also an important principle in many religious doctrines.

An artistic people, Bulgarians hope to better the world through music and dance. Thus, it’s no wonder that Bulgarian folk singing is recognized as a national treasure. Now Let's hear a famous traditional folk song called “Dilmano Dilbero,” performed by Le Mystѐre des Voix Bulgares, or The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices. A major aspect of Bulgarian folklore is the fact that its music and song Lyrics give rise to a playful childlike joy and mood. From generation to generation, many songs expressing the most casual, funny moments from everyday life have been passed down. Our next song, “Sama Li Si Den Zhanala?” or “were You Alone in the Fields?” is one of these ancient songs. We’ll now conclude our program with a beautiful piece performed by the Bulgarian folk choir Cosmic Voices of Bulgaria, with Conductor Gancho Gavazov in collaboration with the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra.

Ecuador hosts a portion of the magnificent Amazon rainforest and is also home to the native Waorani people, also known as the Huaorani, Waodani, or the Waos. Like other indigenous tribes across the globe, the Waorani have a symbiotic relationship with the natural environment. The forest is their beloved space, and they rely on nature for sustenance, water, safety, emotional fulfillment, and comfort. Hence, they passionately seek to protect and preserve the forest and its resources for younger generations. Indeed, the forest is full of natural treasures, such as a range of plants that are thought to keep the Waorani people healthy and strong. Phytochemicals are biochemicals that plants make to survive. The plants use these chemicals to defend themselves against dangerous microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even certain parasites. Human cells have receptors that absorb these protective plant phytochemicals. The Waorani also rely on the forest in the construction of their homes. While Waorani society is reported to be quite egalitarian, with relative equality between men and women, many Waorani women, in particular, are boldly leading the people into the future and raising awareness of the necessity of forest protection.

Over the centuries, Supreme Master Ching Hai has graced our planet in different physical forms through various incarnations and has created countless affinities with beings on Earth. Many of them have come back and become her disciples. Among them are beautiful souls who have been very dedicated and loyal to Master and her noble missions throughout many lifetimes. One such special individual was her beloved late disciple Thai Tu Hoa. In today show, we are honored to present the first of a nine part tribute to Thai Tu Hoa ,revealing his extraordinary latest past life and his pure and true friendship with Supreme Master Ching Hai.

In today's show, we are privileged to introduce to you three lrish songs. Our first song is "Be Thou My vision," an 8th century lrish hymn sung to the music of lrish folk song "Slane." Our next song is called "Between the Master and I" sung in Gaelic and English by Katie McMahon, an acclaimed lrish singer at the loving the Silent Tears concert in 2012 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, the California, USA. Our last song is based on a famous lrish Blessing for travelers, "May the Road Rise to Meet You."

Since ancient times, humans have expressed their love and longing for God through singing and music. These holy songs connect us with the Divine and remind us of our heavenly Home. In a sense, these blessed singers and songwriters are the messengers of God helping deliver sacred messages in all musical genres. On today’s program, we are featuring modern Christian songs that uplift our souls to places of deep gratitude and contemplation, performed by artists inspired be the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.