This new release that is sure to have a profound impact on readers, whether they are Buddhists (of any tradition) or simply those who appreciate the power of an art form capable of transforming our minds and experience. This collection of songs – read as poetry – and the accompanying audio from the Cambodian Buddhist tradition will bring tears, joy, gratitude, and turn the mind towards a point of view of renunciation of what does not ultimately matter.
Many of the topics are familiar, but the beauty and deep humanity of these verses penetrate. And there are many surprises. Even the seemingly simple practice of reciting vowels and consonants – something that happens in many Buddhist traditions – becomes a sophisticated practice where the reader maps each consonant to a part of the body to create a map of meditation that can lead one to ultimate truth.
The Cambodian tradition of Buddhism has received very little light until now outside a few corners of academia. The toll of the Khmer Rouge and the genocide there as well as few teachers from the tradition in the West teaching in English has kept the richness of this unique tradition under wraps. Until now.
Until Nirvana’s Time presents forty-five Dharma songs, whose soaring melodies have inspired Cambodian Buddhist communities for generations. Whether recited in daily prayers or all-night rituals, these poems speak to our deepest concerns—how to die, how to grieve, and how to repay the ones we love.
Introduced, translated, and contextualized by scholar and vocalist Trent Walker, this is the first collection of traditional Cambodian Buddhist literature available in English. Many of the poems have been transcribed from old cassette tapes or fragile bark-paper manuscripts that have never before been printed. A link to recordings of selected songs in English and Khmer accompanies the book.
Walker also gives a superb overview of Cambodian Buddhism, the ritual life of these dharma songs, how they ware transmitted, and much more.
You will find a feast in this groundbreaking book.