Chilling with Ambient New Age Music

Sometimes, I wonder if “New Age” has passed its prime, and we should just refer to the genre as ambient or new world.  But, then I think that new age music still holds special qualities that should be celebrated and honored.  Even though there may be some preconceptions with the term “New Age,” the style has evolved quite a bit since the 1960s when it first emerged on the scene.

To recognize the maturity of this genre and honor its roots,  I believe that “ambient new age music” accurately describes today’s sounds.  Yes, you’ll still hear experimental sounds and textures featuring synthesizers, acoustic and electric instruments.  But listening to this music is not the same as it was 30 or 40 years ago.

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Traveling the Road to Lhasa

Travel along with me, on the road to Lhasa.  The name of this city in the clouds (one of the highest capitals in the world) literally means “place of the gods,” and is the seat of the Dalai Lama and capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region in the People’s Republic of China.  While it may be quite a hike to reach the 3,490 metres (11,450 feet) elevation, the journey is well worth it.  It is a transformative experience.

When you consider Tibetan monks, images of meditation and peace probably come to mind.  These holy men are well-known for their chant “Om Mani Padme Hum,” which roughly translates to,”Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus. Hail to Him who is the Jewel in the Lotus.  The chants help them along their spiritual journey to achieve enlightenment, or Buddahood: a state that is said to be one of “continuous bliss mixed with a simultaneous cognition of emptiness, the true nature of reality.”

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