A very dear friend of mine, Julian
Franks, has produced a unique CD that helps us to go on a musical
and lyrical journey of the heart, through Nepal and India; a
journey within and without. All we have to do is listen to it
and follow its uplifting and spiritually rich message through
the booklet that doubles as the CD cover.
‘Jewel in
the Lotus’ is a special collaboration of many different
artists, from many different backgrounds who were drawn together
and graciously donated their love and passion into this special
work of great love.
It all began when Julian was first inspired while travelling
in India and Nepal and he opened up his heart and his mind to
the people he met. In his own words:
".......I
could feel a deep contented happiness within all folk from
the old to the very young - even in the middle of adversity
and unbelievable life difficulties.
This “True Spirituality” that I felt pervading
these lands is something I feel we as the Human Family need
so much in our modern “global” society.
Compared to most of the Indians, Nepalese and the displaced
Tibetans whom I met on my travels we live ‘comparatively’
in the lap of luxury.
The message I personally received was to return to simplicity,
a loving and caring heart, an awareness of the fragility
of our planet and learning to fall in love with nature in
all its glory. |
'Jewel in the Lotus' was
inspired by the deep contented happiness evident in the
simple lives of the very young to the old, despite the
adversity of often unbelievable life difficulties.
© Julian Franks 2004
|
With these new bountiful feelings I began to care more about
the welfare of all the other “sentient beings” both
animal and human - with whom I share this sacred planet. I started
on a journey without, which has lead me to a journey within,
to find 'the Jewel in the Lotus'."
Let's now throw in the words of
the Great Mohandas Gandhi:
“Art had to be spiritual. ‘True beauty’ consists
in purity of heart. True art is thus an expression of the Soul.
All true art must help the Soul to realize its inner self. True
art takes note not merely of form but also of what lies beyond.
True art must be evidence of the happiness, contentment and
purity of its author.”
True peace and happiness cannot
be faked. It can be seen deep in the eyes of people. I have
seen it in Julian's eyes and his humility deeply inspires me.
|
'Jewel in the Lotus' was inspired by the sacred lands
of India and Nepal.