A Generous Gift: The Mountains Hint at Our Beauty

Four-and-a-half years ago a group of talented artists, musicians, and poets, all lovers of Lama, began an audio project, focused around the poetry of Rumi and Hafiz, translated by Daniel Ladinsky, as a generous donation to the Foundation.

This week, we are very proud and excited to announce the CD release!

This 25 track album is a meditation of the heart. Each poem, read with musical accompaniment, imparts wisdom so sweetly that the listener is transported directly to the poet’s intent. 

All proceeds from the sales of this amazing project go directly to Lama, in support of Lama’s scholarship fund and of the land.

This is truly a treasure to be shared.
Listen and purchase on Bandcamp
Only $7.00, includes a 44 page booklet with poetry and photos.

“I just started listening, and I so needed to hear these readings today. Tears down my cheeks and tears from my heart. Thank you.”
— Maria Figliolia

“All the musicians and readers donated their time and talents to this project. A giant thanks to them: Jenny Bird – guitar, tanpura and voice; William Allaudin Mathieu – piano and voice; Habib – sitar, tabla, voice; Joseph McPherson – flutes. Christine Kahane sweetly read a poem with her dog helping. Mirabai Starr and Mona Haydar both read and blessed us, indeed. And no one got paid a penny, and all are glad.” 
— Daniel Ladinsky

“My hope is this CD will attract younger people to Lama who have a nourishing experience of the spiritual, or want to; and who have the essential work ethic to sustain their own precious lives, and impart love to whatever their hands touch.”
— Asha Greer

 

February Tea ’24

“Luck is the Guest that turned up.” Lesley   From Willi S: I am borrowing the words of Gary Snyder, which I think are uniquely applicable today.  We can all individually decide what he means by WILD.  "People often think of art as the most highly cultured, the most...

January Tea ’24

​From Jean K: Our lives / shirts on the ironing board / tears of grief and gratitude / with water and whisk we blend them all / and sip From Kate S: Hurrying to a place where I yearn to slow down, to listen to the sounds of making tea and the jumbled thoughts in my...

December Tea ’23

From Kathy:Running Teachers!! Shiwasu! From Jean:running teachers know the value of mistakes From Lesley:making tea to a single point … a knock at the door … a tap at the window … points in flowing motion From Jean:Phone call, I’m at the door, interruptions happen,...

November Tea ’23

  From VictoriaThe comments on sprouting and awareness of the abundance of kindnesses reminds of the Thanksgiving poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, which starts:We walk on starry fields of whiteAnd do not see the daisies;For blessings common in our sightWe rarely...

October Tea ’23

  From Kathy:   10 Virtues of Tea by Rikyu:  Blessed by gods / shakes off sleepiness / discharges filial duties / wards off disease/ makes one love and respect people / frees one from earthly desires / keeps one healthy / has contact withnobility / prolongs life...

September Tea ’23

  From Gerow Drinking tea/The shifting of the season’s light/ Illumines this double autumn. From Siddiq Approaching the gate / What can I look forward to? /  Never mind those thoughts!   From Deborah Summer to Autumn in 24 hours here; joining friends for...

August Tea ’23

  From Deborah MN First time at the library. Quite noisy and distracting. Fun though to join you even late.   From Karima Thank you soooo much for this beautiful tea time together! Must go.   From Kate I begin in uncertainty, slowly, my hands remember   From Jean...

REMEMBERING – The Old Lama Kitchen

Lama children on the steps of the Old Kitchen (1981).  Arielle, Asha (Bernard) and Jamil inside the kitchen (1981). Photos offered by Asha and Uwais Old Lama Kitchen - A few memories By Irit Umani, June 2023 When I think of Lama’s Old Kitchen, my mind almost...

June Tea ’23

  From Chad Being in NO tea/my body needing to rest/I become a guest. ( thank you) From Jean the glob, it sinks, it floats, it pulls us in, but like healing everywhere, just add a bit of hotwater, whisk and drink, and all of your cares will be gone. From Lesley...

May Tea ’23

From Gerow Purification... Meeting life as it is.... Acceptance orrecognition of the present moment... Respect.... Sense of freedom from "shoulds"   From Karen (who remembered this from another Lama Tea poet) Rains arrived... fire turns tosteam... renewal   From Deb...