Tag: folk rock
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The Monkey, the Cow, and the Crown Jewel
“The Monkey, the Cow, and the Crown Jewel” is a musical journey into a profound spiritual paradox from 13th-century Japan. Inspired by Nichiren Daishonin’s letter, the Urabon Gosho, the song tells the story of Lord Jibu, a priest described as lacking wisdom and dignity—like a “monkey or a cow”. Yet, he is praised in the…
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Lotus Sutra Inspired: Awaken the Hero Within You
“Welling Up from the Ground” is a powerful gospel-blues folk anthem inspired by Chapter Fifteen of the Lotus Sutra—the moment when the earth itself trembles, and countless Bodhisattvas rise from the soil of suffering to bring light to the age of darkness. The song blends sacred soul with modern storytelling, featuring rich harmonies, Hammond organ…
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The Treasure Tower
“The Treasure Tower” is a cinematic folk-rock journey that builds from a single acoustic guitar and vocal into a soaring, full-band spiritual experience. Drawing inspiration from the epic imagery of the Lotus Sutra, the song tells the story of a profound revelation. It charts the journey from sitting on the “hard earth” as a humble…
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The Ballad of Elias Stone
“The Ballad of Elias Stone” is a bluesy folk tale that explores two paths to the same truth. It tells the story of Elias, a legendary musician who achieves greatness through twenty years of grueling sacrifice, embodying the belief that enlightenment is earned only through immense struggle. His path is challenged when the conservatory’s Founder…
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The Patient Heart Blues
“The Patient Heart Blues” – A Song About Standing Strong While Walking Away Sometimes the hardest thing in the world is knowing when to stay and when to go. This song came from studying an ancient Buddhist text about patience—but not the kind of patience where you just take whatever comes. Real patience, the kind…
Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra 