The Dalai Lama has long been associated with the universal mantra - Maha Mrityonjaya Mantra
The truth of this urban legend can at last be revealed and its chanter recognised for the fabulous voice he possesses.
As delightful and intriguing as the story of HHDL is, that it was his Highness who was responsible for being the voice on a CD doing the rounds as a free give away for healing, the truth within that legend is zero.
For at least two decades this extraordinary and beautiful mantra for healing has been reaching people all over the world under the guise that it is the Dalai Lama himself that has chanted and released this to the world under free distribution rights - in the name of healing.
From the many blogs and fora that have helped spread this misinformation, it is refreshing to enlighten the many fans of this fabulous, devotional version of the much loved mantra that the voice behind the chant is that of Hein Braat, a delightful, self effacing Dutchman whose devotion to chant and mantra has over many years produced many extraordinary versions of some of the most sacred chants and beloved mantras in the canon of mantra.
Amusingly when Hein was told that the bootleg version of his recording was making the rounds and people were coming out and saying that the voice of the Dalai Lama was healing them, he became very concerned.
Not because of the fact that they thought it was the Dalai Lama's voice - but that if they subsequently knew that it was not his voice but Hein Braat's, their healing might drop away and they would become ill again!
This of course was said with a large portion of his legendary humour mixed into the remark.
His Highness the Dalai Lama, a blessed being of the highest integrity and wisdom, would be bemused that this Hindu orinated chant had been attributed to, let alone chanted by him.
In fact he would probably be the first to support the dissemination of this great mantra and also to make sure the credit where credit is due is delivered - to Hein Braat.
The original version can be heard here and for the sake of recognising Hein Braat's rightful copyright to this version can also be bought.
Hein, through this and his other mantra chants - Gayatri, Om Mane Padme Hum, Om, Om Namah Shivaya, Kali Mantra and Surya Mantras - will be touring through the USA and Europe in 2007.
One fascinating offfshoot of this misaligned attribution is that Hein's popularity and voice have in effect reached millions and there are many who would love to sit in circle with him and share his devotion and love of mantras.
If you are interested to get Hein to visit your meditation centre, yoga studio or Sanga near you then let us know.
Want Hein Braat to chant with you? Want to chant the Maha Mrityonjaya mantra with Hein?
Have a passion for chant? Then get Hein Braat to come to you -
Let us know who you are and where and we can arrange it
The official website of the Dalai Lama can be found here. Since his exile from Tibet many years ago, this present Dalia Lama has been a mover and a shaker on the world stage in the pursuit of world peace, tolerance and understanding betweeen all beings.
He is the walking epitomy of right living and spiritual being in practice.
Further references:
Introduction to Buddhism
Meditation for beginners
Vipassana - the Buddhist meditation
