Compassion is a Verb

This new work is created by composer George Heathco and is a setting of the words of the Dalai Lama XVI. The title Compassion is a verb, emerged from the wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh.

I'm pleased as punch to lend my singing to this beautiful piece.

"Whether you believe in God or not does not matter so much, whether you believe in Buddha or not does not matter so much; as a Buddhist, whether you believe in reincarnation or not does not matter so much. You must lead a good life. And a good life does not mean just good food, good clothes, good shelter. These are not sufficient. A good motivation is what is needed: compassion, without dogmatism, without complicated philosophy; just understanding that others are human brothers and sisters and respecting their rights and human dignity. That we humans can help each other is one of our unique human capacities. We must share in other peoples' suffering; even if you cannot help with money, to show concern, to give moral support and express sympathy are themselves valuable. This is what should be the basis of activities; whether one calls it religion or not does not matter [so much].”— Dalai Lama XIV. Kindness, Clarity, and Insight.