Although Kalzang Yeshe, a Sikkimese lama, was not awarded
with the Sikkim Samman Awards, but he is going to be honored with
the Grammy.
Kalzang - who was the leader of a group
of monks belonging to the Sherab Ling Monastery - recorded a Sacred
Tibetan Chant and the monks of that monastery send that to the Traditional
World Music Award at the 46th Grammy Awards Ceremony held in Los
Angeles early this year
Yeshe said that he has no clear concept about the award but he
has been told that this is one of the most esteemed awards of the
world. Yeshe is satisfied by the publicity of the Tibetan Spiritual
Music. He added that this will make more people familiar with these
spiritual chants.
Yeshe explained that some people from New Zealand, after seeking
the permission from Rimpoche, Tai Stupa, recorded these chants.
He also said that there are eight senior monks including Norbu Gyaltsen
and Trinley Gyuerme who helped him in recording these chants. Yeshe
admitted that they did not aim the Grammy but they will be much
happier if the listeners focus on the spiritual value of the chants.
The recording was promoted by a music company Naxos. Some of the
members of the sect's branch in New Zealand gave their full support
for the recording which was done in the sanctum of the monastery.
Yeshe, who left Sikkim at the age of 12, confirmed that the award
will not change his life or outlook in any circumstances.