Myōra
The Heart Sutra
Music & Practice
Meet Myōra
Alongside her work as vice-abbot and Tenzo at Zen River, Tamara Myoho Gabrysch makes music under the name Myōra.
Music has long been part of her life and practice. Her background in guitar and choral singing, together with many years of Zen practice and sutra chanting, has gradually shaped a musical language of its own. Her work brings together Zen chanting, folk and fingerstyle guitar, classical arpeggios and layered vocal harmonies.
Rather than writing conventional lyrics, Myōra draws on texts from Buddhist sutras and ancient dharanis, sung in English, Sanskrit, Pali and On’yomi (Sino-Japanese). The result is quiet, contemplative music in which voice, text and acoustic sound are given room to unfold.
“Someone once told me that a cat that purrs ‘heals’ itself; it brings itself into a calmer state by purring. According to the ancient Indians, dharanis work just like that purring cat. […] By letting certain sounds resonate in our bodies, we feel calmer and more peaceful.” – Myōra, full interview here
Listen to Myōra
Recordings
Myōra has recorded a growing collection of chants and musical settings of Buddhist texts. These recordings have found their way into homes, Buddhist temples and even hospice settings, where they have been used to accompany periods of rest and quiet.
Her music can be heard on SoundCloud, with selected recordings on Insight Timer and Bandcamp. Two albums are also available through Spotify and Apple Music.
Albums
ShoSaiMyo
Produced with Brad Stock, the albums bring together Myōra’s voice and guitar with instruments found at Zen River. The albums can be heard online through Bandcamp. Physical CDs and vinyl are also available at Zen River.
