Anton Batagov:

The Monk Thogmey's Thirty-Seven Precepts

by Andrei Turusinov, REZULTATY magazine, Februrary 2008

 

In a few words, this is a music of amazing strength and kindness. The concept of “Thirty-seven Precepts” continues the series of projects that was initiated by “The Wheel of the Law” and “Music for the Thirty-five Buddhas”, with one essential difference – in this case, it is not simply a musical embodiment of Batagov’s modern Buddhist contemplations, but a complete sound realisation of the poem “Thirty-seven Practices of the Bodhisattva”, which was written in the 14 th Century.

Before hearing this, I had never suspected the melodiousness and musicality of the Tibetan language. Even a simple reading aloud of these poems is already music that yearns to be fixed in time. And what about those who don’t yet hear, or know, or feel, or understand? Well, simply put, this CD is for those who with every fibre of their hearts strive to understand something for themselves in this life but can’t imagine how best to do so and where to begin.

While the text “Thirty-seven Practices of the Bodhisattva” in itself is simple and lucid, ignoring any sophisticated literary devices, it embodies the most universal and compelling exhortations capable of explaining the fundamental questions of our existence on this earth. Together with Batagov’s music, it renders a magical effect. Although one might not understand the Tibetan language, the voice of Lama Tsering Dondrub appears to communicate thought on a subconscious level. This is astonishing.

I’m not certain that this recording has had a large enough release, so depending on its international distribution, those who don’t pick it up in time might never have the chance again. I recommend you hurry up and find yourself a copy.