Philosophy, religion and theology; with Original composition; Communication and the arts
摘要
Looking Back to Point Zero is an essay concerning the Bon, Hindu and Buddhist religions and their music. Bon is a shamanistic religion originating in Tibet. Hinduism and Buddhism originated from India. When Buddhism migrated to Tibet, it incorporated the Bon deities as Dharma (doctrine) protectors. Bonism, Hinduism and Buddhism believe that peaceful (good) values are protected by wrathful gods. All three religions believe in a reincarnation cycle which ceases when the believer attains enlightenment and enters a transcendent reality. Music will be discussed in terms of how it is used in the worship of a supreme intelligence; to meditate and enter the realm of the non-visible spirit world; to ask, to praise, to seek guidance, and to have the possibility of entering a spiritual "paradise" during and at the end of life. Reverence for the Unknown is a suite of three compositions derived from studying the cultures, theologies and music of these religions. In the case of Tibetan Bonism, the music is 'program music', telling the story of a battle between a particular deity and a demon, based upon a Tibetan legend. With Indian Hinduism, the music is used as a vehicle for meditation to achieve a trance-like state of mind, propelling both performer and listener into ecstasy upon entering awareness of the spiritual realm. With Tibetan Buddhism, it is the invocation of a particular deity, paying tribute to Buddhist temple musical form. Instrumentation; 2 flutes, 2 soprano saxes, 1 bassoon, 2 cornets, 1 tenor trombone, 1 bass trombone, 1 tuba, various percussion instruments requiring 2 percussionists, 4 tenor 4 baritone and 4 bass singers, 1 acoustic steel-stringed guitar and 1 cello
