On Waisak Day, world-famous Buddhist musician and Imee Ooi and legendary guitarist Dewa Budjana release their first-ever collaboration album, “In Metta.” It is a world-class collection of beautiful Buddhist songs meant to be enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.
As part of the album launch, on 11 May, 12:00 AM Midnight, they will have a special performance at the Indonesian Waisak Celebration at Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Organized by WALUBI (Perwakilan Umat Buddha Indonesia), this annual event is the largest Buddhist celebration in Indonesia, where tens of thousands of Buddhists all over the world come to celebrate.
For the first time ever, Dewa Budjana adds his musical wizardry to Imee’s always authentic Buddhist compositions, well known by millions of fans to be relaxing, calming, and an aid to meditation and mindfulness. The album satisfies music lovers, Buddhist practitioners and listeners seeking peaceful retreat.
The songs in this album are set to some of the best-loved Buddhist prayers, all in their complete and proper form. Because of this, they are also well suited for spiritual practice.
The album has four songs. Two of the songs, “Chant of Metta - In Loving-Kindness” and “Om Mani Padme Hum - In Mindfulness,” are two of Imee’s most famous songs, this time redone with Budjana’s exquisitely delicate musical arrangements that resonate with the ear and the heart. "Puppha Puja - In Acceptance" is a new song, composed by Imee and arranged by Budjana. “Tisarana - In Refuge” is a completely new composition by Imee and Budjana.
“Metta” means loving-kindess in Pali, the ancient Indian language used in the time of the Buddha. Although Dewa Budjana is a devout practicing Hindu, he has made albums of other religions that have been very well received, including an album of the Islam faith and a Christmas album.
Made the spirit of tolerance and peace, it is a groundbreaking effort for both artists. This work is the result of an interfaith effort, composed and arranged by a Buddhist and a Hindu, Mixed by a Christian, and mastered by a Muslim.
Even in its short preview releases, the response has been glowing:
The symbol of appreciation of diversity by artists should be expressed with noble works according to their optimal abilities. Dewa Budjana continues to do that. An unending spiritual journey, as the Buddha says: "It is better to travel well than to arrive. "
- Triawan Munaf, Chairman of the Indonesian Government Board for Creative Economy
Imee Ooi, to my mind the foremost composer and performer of Buddhist-inspired music in the world today, lives her profound art. She is a wellspring of innovative melodic settings for ageless Buddhist mantras, sutras and chants. Her catalog of music CDs has sold millions worldwide, more importantly her tunes are heard in monasteries from Sydney to San Francisco. Transcending the ethereal background sounds played in yoga studios and spas, Imee’s presentation of the Buddha’s wisdom in musical form has inspired the Bodhi-Resolve in opening hearts around the world. May this collaboration with the artistic genius of Dewa Budjana become a source of calm, healing goodness for you. Put your phone on Airplane Mode, sit quietly, listen and be inspired.
- Rev. Heng Sure, Managing Director, Berkeley Buddhist Monastery
All songs in this album are composed, arranged, and performed by Imee Ooi and Dewa Budjana. Production credits include Harmoko Aguswan (Mixing), Oky “SMR” Yudawijaya (Editing), Indra Q (Mastering), Octavia Verdana (Recording), and Alied Hadiwidjaya (Assistant Recording). Executive Producer is Prajna Murdaya. This is the first album release under the Shoemaker Music Label.
The album is available on iTunes, Spotify, and other major online music providers. Physical CDs are available on www.cdbaby.com. For orders please email merch@shoemakerstudios.com, or fill the form below: