Himalayan Dreams

Fans of Sursudha and their music attended their recent "peace concert" in the Lanka Oberoi with some anticipation. It was also an occasion where the group was to release their newest CD, "The Third Eye", which is supposed to represent the threesome's love of Buddhism and evoke the flavour of Lumbini, the Sakyamuni's birthplace. Sursudha comprises of Prem Rana "Autari" (flute), Surendra Shrestha (tabla) and Bijaya Vaidya (sitar) who began performing 11 years ago and have travelled the world touring their albums. As musical ambassadors for Nepal, they performed admirably. Their music is steeped in the myths of the mountains and valleys, which they evoke in the minds of the audience. "The Third Eye" comprises nine tracks, and has titles like "Nirvana", "Shanti", "Chaitya" and "Bodhimarga – The Path of Enlightenment".

Drawing heavily from images and concepts of Buddhism, the concert was a musical meditation, a contemplation of the component parts that make up the faith. Track 3, entitled "Vihara" is actually recorded live in a monastery, with the sound of monks performing devotional exercises and brisk chants. Lithe and flowing, "The Third Eye" is indeed a rewarding and refreshing break from the hustle of daily life of the Subcontinental on the go.