The music grows gradually: first a snare drum-like beat, then a throaty drone layered on top, followed by high-pitched humming. And then the monk begins to chant the heart sutra.

The unique musical experience is the work of Yogetsu Akasaka, a Japanese musician and formally trained Buddhist monk who has become a viral phenomenon with tracks marrying religious chanting with beatboxing.

His Heart Sutra Looping Remix, featuring the 37-year-old dressed in the formal robes worn by Buddhist monks at funerals, has been viewed on YouTube more than half a million times since it was posted in May.

The seven-minute video was filmed in a studio, and shows Akasaka layering sounds via a beatbox device called a Loopstation and then chanting the religious text on top.

The idea came to him during the state of emergency imposed in Japan over the coronavirus pandemic, when both his work as a musician and a monk overseeing funeral and memorial services dried up.

"It was all cancelled. So I had no job, I had no income. And to me, it was really a pain, but at the same time, I thought it was a really good opportunity to think about myself or to think about the future of Buddhism," he told AFP.

"I was trying to find my own way to deliver Buddhist teachings to people not only in Japan but also all over the world."

- Changing views -

Akasaka has long been interested both in music and religion.

He began beatboxing around 15 years ago, buying a looping machine in 2009 to help him build layered sounds, and during years spent in the United States and Australia he occasionally busked to make money.

He came to religion a little later, initially rejecting suggestions from his father -- who became a Buddhist monk in his 50s, when Akasaka was in high school.

"In Japan, it's very common that the son of a priest succeeds their father... And so my father sometimes asked me if I wanted to become a monk and succeed him. And I would say no, I was not interested in it," he said.

But after he turned 30, Akasaka began to reconsider as he thought more about the meaning of life and death, and he eventually spent a little over two years training to be a monk.

In Japan, it is not uncommon for monks to fulfil religious duties and maintain a non-religious career, like Akasaka's work as a musician.

Recently he has organised livestreaming sessions of his music, soliciting donations to help see him through the pandemic.

But he also hopes that by combining his two passions, he can offer a fresh perspective on Buddhism to younger people, particularly in Japan, where he says the religion is largely associated with death and funeral rites.

"Most of them believe Buddhism is something for a person who died already. But it's actually not," he said.

"So maybe, if my music attracts younger people, it will be a good opportunity for them to know about Buddhism."

The music grows gradually: first a snare drum-like beat, then a throaty drone layered on top, followed by high-pitched humming. And then the monk begins to chant the heart sutra.

The music grows gradually: first a snare drum-like beat, then a throaty drone layered on top, followed by high-pitched humming. And then the monk begins to chant the heart sutra. The unique musical experience is the work of Yogetsu Akasaka, a Japanese musician and formally trained Buddhist monk who has become a viral phenomenon with tracks marrying religious chanting with beatboxing. His Heart Sutra Looping Remix, featuring the 37-year-old dressed in the formal robes worn by Buddhist monks at funerals, has been viewed on YouTube more than half a million times since it was posted in May. The seven-minute video was filmed in a studio, and shows Akasaka layering sounds via a beatbox device called a Loopstation and then chanting the religious text on top. The idea came to him during the state of emergency imposed in Japan over the coronavirus pandemic, when both his work as a musician and a monk overseeing funeral and memorial services dried up. "It was all cancelled. So I had no job, I had no income. And to me, it was really a pain, but at the same time, I thought it was a really good opportunity to think about myself or to think about the future of Buddhism," he told AFP. "I was trying to find my own way to deliver Buddhist teachings to people not only in Japan but also all over the world." - Changing views - Akasaka has long been interested both in music and religion. He began beatboxing around 15 years ago, buying a looping machine in 2009 to help him build layered sounds, and during years spent in the United States and Australia he occasionally busked to make money. He came to religion a little later, initially rejecting suggestions from his father -- who became a Buddhist monk in his 50s, when Akasaka was in high school. "In Japan, it's very common that the son of a priest succeeds their father... And so my father sometimes asked me if I wanted to become a monk and succeed him. And I would say no, I was not interested in it," he said. But after he turned 30, Akasaka began to reconsider as he thought more about the meaning of life and death, and he eventually spent a little over two years training to be a monk. In Japan, it is not uncommon for monks to fulfil religious duties and maintain a non-religious career, like Akasaka's work as a musician. Recently he has organised livestreaming sessions of his music, soliciting donations to help see him through the pandemic. But he also hopes that by combining his two passions, he can offer a fresh perspective on Buddhism to younger people, particularly in Japan, where he says the religion is largely associated with death and funeral rites. "Most of them believe Buddhism is something for a person who died already. But it's actually not," he said. "So maybe, if my music attracts younger people, it will be a good opportunity for them to know about Buddhism."

Beatboxing for Buddha: Japan monk's musical outreach

Four persons have been arrested in Pakistan's northwest Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province for vandalising a rare statue of Gautam Buddha discovered during excavation at an agriculture farm, police said on Saturday.

The statue that was discovered in tehsil Takhtbai of Mardan district was destroyed on the orders of a local Maulvi (prayer leader), local residents said.

Four suspects have been arrested and an FIR under the antiquity act has been filed, police said.

District Police Officer Zahidullah said the incident took place when a water line was dug up and construction workers discovered the statue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/six-militants-arrested-in-pakistan-314340">Also read:&nbsp;Six militants arrested in Pakistan</a>

"We have arrested contractor Qamar Zaman and his workers, Amjad, Aleem and Saleem for smashing the Buddha statue and have also recovered some of its pieces from them," he said.

The arrests were made after a video showing people damaging the statue with hammers went viral on social media. 
A senior officer of the Tourism Department said after the video surfaced the authorities reported the matter to the police for action against the culprits.

Takhtbai area is a tourist destination for people from Sri Lanka, Korea and Japan since it was a part of the Gandhara Civilisation - one of the earliest urban settlements documented in the history of the subcontinent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-based-rights-group-demands-resumption-of-temple-construction-in-islamabad-314310">Also read:&nbsp;Pak-based rights group demands resumption of temple construction in Islamabad</a>

Director of Archaeology Department Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Abdul Samad Khan expressed anguish over the incident and assured that proper action would be taken against the culprits involved in damaging the rare statue.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's old name is Ghandhara and the region is a highly revered place for the followers of Buddhism.

In 2017, two rare and ancient Buddha statues were unearthed at an archeological site in Bhamala in Hariput district.

The largest ever statue found at the site depicts the death of Buddha and the second statue was a Buddha with a double halo.

The statue depicting the death scenario was the oldest of its kind in the world. It was also verified by the American laboratory which identified it as older than third century BC.

Peshawar Museum is also known for displaying one of the world's largest collection of architectural pieces on Buddha.

A couple of years ago, the museum's tallest statue of Buddha in schist stone was transported to Switzerland for display there for 100 days at an international exhibition.

Four persons have been arrested in Pakistan's northwest Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province for vandalising a rare statue of Gautam Buddha discovered during excavation at an agriculture farm, police said on Saturday.

Four persons have been arrested in Pakistan's northwest Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province for vandalising a rare statue of Gautam Buddha discovered during excavation at an agriculture farm, police said on Saturday. The statue that was discovered in tehsil Takhtbai of Mardan district was destroyed on the orders of a local Maulvi (prayer leader), local residents said. Four suspects have been arrested and an FIR under the antiquity act has been filed, police said. District Police Officer Zahidullah said the incident took place when a water line was dug up and construction workers discovered the statue. Also read: Six militants arrested in Pakistan "We have arrested contractor Qamar Zaman and his workers, Amjad, Aleem and Saleem for smashing the Buddha statue and have also recovered some of its pieces from them," he said. The arrests were made after a video showing people damaging the statue with hammers went viral on social media. A senior officer of the Tourism Department said after the video surfaced the authorities reported the matter to the police for action against the culprits. Takhtbai area is a tourist destination for people from Sri Lanka, Korea and Japan since it was a part of the Gandhara Civilisation - one of the earliest urban settlements documented in the history of the subcontinent. Also read: Pak-based rights group demands resumption of temple construction in Islamabad Director of Archaeology Department Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Abdul Samad Khan expressed anguish over the incident and assured that proper action would be taken against the culprits involved in damaging the rare statue. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's old name is Ghandhara and the region is a highly revered place for the followers of Buddhism. In 2017, two rare and ancient Buddha statues were unearthed at an archeological site in Bhamala in Hariput district. The largest ever statue found at the site depicts the death of Buddha and the second statue was a Buddha with a double halo. The statue depicting the death scenario was the oldest of its kind in the world. It was also verified by the American laboratory which identified it as older than third century BC. Peshawar Museum is also known for displaying one of the world's largest collection of architectural pieces on Buddha. A couple of years ago, the museum's tallest statue of Buddha in schist stone was transported to Switzerland for display there for 100 days at an international exhibition.

4 persons arrested for vandalising rare Buddha statue in Pakistan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in a virtual prayer session on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. What was the message embedded in his speech on the teachings of Lord Buddha? WION's Palki Sharma decodes India's message to the world.

Gravitas: PM Modi's Buddhist diplomacy

From grumbling neighbours to witty memes of the Buddha imploring a man with speakers to "stop your noise", the cacophony around Myanmar's annual Tazaungdaing festival is revving up debate over the modern racket accompanying religious customs.

Myanmar is 90 per cent Buddhist, and October and November are packed with donation drives in the aftermath of Buddhist lent.

The religious season culminates in the Tazaundaing festival, which ends late Thursday with amusement park rides and block parties.

But some residents in the commercial capital Yangon want the volume turned down as religious chants, sermons and entreaties for donations blared over speakers compete with electronic dance music, Burmese rap and rowdy evenings.

"I don't believe Buddha would like this... Buddha likes peace and silence," Nyein Myat, a 28-year-old bank employee told AFP, adding that her sisters struggle to study because of the noise.

But in Myanmar, where authorities have struggled with hardline Buddhist nationalists and the faith is deeply ingrained in society, few make an effort to plead for quiet.

In 2016, a Dutch tourist was arrested in Mandalay and spent three months in jail after unplugging a speaker relaying a late-night sermon.

"Many people complain but it is the religious season so it is difficult to complain or report to police," said Min Saw, a 22-year-old who works the night shift at a shop.

"This season is full of good deeds for (us) Buddhists... but we mostly get annoyed."

Frustration is playing out online too.&nbsp;

One drawing shows Buddha in the forest holding up his hand and saying "dear son, please stop your noise" as a man races towards him with numerous loudspeakers.&nbsp;

A local artist tweaked Edvard Munch's celebrated "Scream", placing Buddha in the foreground holding hands over his ears in horror at the sound.

Images of the meme rocketed around Myanmar social media, drawing mostly praise but some anger over the portrayal.

"We have faced so many noise problems every day but these days it is worse," said Myo Kyaw, a 35-year-old audio engineer who was eating lunch.

"This is our tradition and I love it but noise is not really good for the people."

Than Win, a community leader in Yangon's Lanmadaw township, conceded decibel levels were high but said it is one of the holiest festivals of the year and that all religious customs deserved respect.

"We can hear the sound from the mosque loudly in the evening and if you live near the church, you can hear their sound loudly," he said.

Those taking part say they are aware of potential disturbances and have taken proper measures.

Shipyard worker Zaw Win Naing said they asked older members of the community for permission, telling them: "we would like to play loud music on these days".

From grumbling neighbours to witty memes of the Buddha imploring a man with speakers to "stop your noise", the cacophony around Myanmar's annual Tazaungdaing festival is revving up debate over the modern racket accompanying religious customs.

From grumbling neighbours to witty memes of the Buddha imploring a man with speakers to "stop your noise", the cacophony around Myanmar's annual Tazaungdaing festival is revving up debate over the modern racket accompanying religious customs. Myanmar is 90 per cent Buddhist, and October and November are packed with donation drives in the aftermath of Buddhist lent. The religious season culminates in the Tazaundaing festival, which ends late Thursday with amusement park rides and block parties. But some residents in the commercial capital Yangon want the volume turned down as religious chants, sermons and entreaties for donations blared over speakers compete with electronic dance music, Burmese rap and rowdy evenings. "I don't believe Buddha would like this... Buddha likes peace and silence," Nyein Myat, a 28-year-old bank employee told AFP, adding that her sisters struggle to study because of the noise. But in Myanmar, where authorities have struggled with hardline Buddhist nationalists and the faith is deeply ingrained in society, few make an effort to plead for quiet. In 2016, a Dutch tourist was arrested in Mandalay and spent three months in jail after unplugging a speaker relaying a late-night sermon. "Many people complain but it is the religious season so it is difficult to complain or report to police," said Min Saw, a 22-year-old who works the night shift at a shop. "This season is full of good deeds for (us) Buddhists... but we mostly get annoyed." Frustration is playing out online too. One drawing shows Buddha in the forest holding up his hand and saying "dear son, please stop your noise" as a man races towards him with numerous loudspeakers. A local artist tweaked Edvard Munch's celebrated "Scream", placing Buddha in the foreground holding hands over his ears in horror at the sound. Images of the meme rocketed around Myanmar social media, drawing mostly praise but some anger over the portrayal. "We have faced so many noise problems every day but these days it is worse," said Myo Kyaw, a 35-year-old audio engineer who was eating lunch. "This is our tradition and I love it but noise is not really good for the people." Than Win, a community leader in Yangon's Lanmadaw township, conceded decibel levels were high but said it is one of the holiest festivals of the year and that all religious customs deserved respect. "We can hear the sound from the mosque loudly in the evening and if you live near the church, you can hear their sound loudly," he said. Those taking part say they are aware of potential disturbances and have taken proper measures. Shipyard worker Zaw Win Naing said they asked older members of the community for permission, telling them: "we would like to play loud music on these days".

The Buddha likes silence: Myanmar festival stirs debate over religious noise

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Even as the two sides talk on diffusing the North Korean crisis, US aircraft carriers, South Korean destroyers recently concluded their naval exercise on the Korean peninsula.

Moody's upgrades India's credit rating first time since 2004 Credit rating agency Moody's has upgraded India’s sovereign ratings to Baa2 from its lowest investment grade (Baa3) Virgin Hyperloop one project in Maharashtra: Mumbai to Pune in 14 minutes Virgin Hyperloop One will push for pod-based super-fast transportation to improve economic competitiveness, reduce congestion and emissions, and provide citizens with greater social and economic mobility. 'Dual suspension' proposal most feasible plan on North Korea: China Even as the two sides talk on diffusing the North Korean crisis, US aircraft carriers, South Korean destroyers recently concluded their naval exercise on the Korean peninsula. Keystone Pipeline spills 210,000 gallons of oil in South Dakota The pipeline runs from Hardesty, Alberta, to Cushing, Okla and Wood River/Patoka, Ill and is reportedly the largest oil spill in South Dakota, officials say. No contradiction in blocking resolution on Masood: China A veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked India's move to impose a ban on the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the Council.

WION Morning News Brief, November 17, 2017

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today attended the International Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo.

While speaking on the occasion, Modi said that he brings with him the greetings of 1.25 billion people from the land of Samyaksambuddha, the perfectly self-awakened one.

Dwelling on the issue of peace, Modi said that the biggest challenge for sustainable world peace is from mindsets rooted in hate and violence. &nbsp;

Speaking on the menace of terrorism in the region, the PM said that it is a manifestation of the destructive emotion. &nbsp;

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Menace of terrorism in our region is a clear manifestation of this destructive emotion: PM Modi in Sri Lanka <a href="https://t.co/HSeLfxtU7S">pic.twitter.com/HSeLfxtU7S</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/862907147356487682">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Modi also announced a direct Air India flight between Varanasi, which is his Lok Sabha constituency, to Colombo.

He said that the region is blessed to give the world teachings of Lord Buddha.

(PTI)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Narendra Modi, who is in Colombo to attend the International Vesak Day celebrations, said that the region is proud to give the world the invaluable gift of Buddha and his teachings

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today attended the International Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo. While speaking on the occasion, Modi said that he brings with him the greetings of 1.25 billion people from the land of Samyaksambuddha, the perfectly self-awakened one. Dwelling on the issue of peace, Modi said that the biggest challenge for sustainable world peace is from mindsets rooted in hate and violence. Speaking on the menace of terrorism in the region, the PM said that it is a manifestation of the destructive emotion. Menace of terrorism in our region is a clear manifestation of this destructive emotion: PM Modi in Sri Lanka pic.twitter.com/HSeLfxtU7S — ANI (@ANI_news) May 12, 2017 × Modi also announced a direct Air India flight between Varanasi, which is his Lok Sabha constituency, to Colombo. He said that the region is blessed to give the world teachings of Lord Buddha. (PTI)

PM Modi on International Vesak Day: Challenge to world peace from mindsets rooted in hate and violence

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reached Sri Lanka on a two-day state visit.

PM Modi started his trip with a visit to the Seema Malaka temple, one of Sri Lanka&#39;s oldest Buddhist places of worship, and took part in the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony.

Modi, accompanied by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, prayed and offered flowers at the temple, which is a part of Gangaramaya Temple that is more than 120 years old.

Modi entered the holy sanctum of the temple and lit lamps - a traditional practice - on the eve of the International Vesak Day celebrations, the biggest festival of Buddhists.

The Gangaramaya Temple is situated in bustling inner-city Colombo&nbsp;near the scenic Beira Lake. The temple complex is a popular tourist site, a place of worship, and a learning and vocational training centre.

The temple&#39;s architecture demonstrates an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. Several welfare services, including an old peoples&#39; homes, a vocational school, and an orphanage are run from the temple complex.

The temple is uniquely attractive and tolerant to congregation members of many different religions.

Earlier today, Modi was received at the Colombo International Airport by PM Wickremesinghe and several senior ministers, including Sri Lankan foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera.

On reaching Colombo, Modi tweeted, &quot;I am happy to be in Sri Lanka, where I will join the International Vesak Day Celebrations.&quot;

Modi is here primarily to participate in the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations tomorrow&nbsp;in Colombo with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and PM Wickremesinghe as the chief guest.

Before leaving for Colombo, he wrote in a Facebook post that it was an honour for him to join these celebrations with President Sirisena and PM Wickremesinghe.&nbsp;

Vesak marks the birth, enlightenment and the passing of the Buddha. It was officially recognised by the United Nations in 1999. Sri Lanka had played an essential role in the recognition of this day, and India too had supported its neighbouring country in the initiative.

This is Modi&#39;s second bilateral visit to Sri Lanka in two years. He last visited the island nation in March 2015. &nbsp;However, this visit is apolitical.

&quot;Will be in Sri Lanka for a two-day visit during which I will join Vesak Day celebrations &amp; other programmes,&quot; PM Modi had earlier tweeted.

Sri Lanka is hosting the event for the first time.

Celebrated sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik will make the world&#39;s longest sand Buddha statue at a special Vesak zone near the Sri Lankan Parliament.

Various religious and political leaders, especially from the countries with Buddhist connection, will be attending the event.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will also be attending the lamp lighting ceremony at Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple in Colombo. He will also be unveiling a plaque at the faculty of the Kandyan dance&nbsp;which is being constructed with India&#39;s assistance.

The Prime Minister will also be visiting the hilly regions of Sri Lanka that host tea plantations. He will be inaugurating a 150-bed multi-specialty hospital at Dikoya.

India will be giving an aid of US$2.6 billion for the hospital. Sri Lanka&#39;s hilly regions home Indian Tamil people who work in tea plantains.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

This is Prime Minister Modi's second Sri Lanka visit meant to highlight the Buddhist association between the two countries

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reached Sri Lanka on a two-day state visit. PM Modi started his trip with a visit to the Seema Malaka temple, one of Sri Lanka's oldest Buddhist places of worship, and took part in the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Modi, accompanied by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, prayed and offered flowers at the temple, which is a part of Gangaramaya Temple that is more than 120 years old. Modi entered the holy sanctum of the temple and lit lamps - a traditional practice - on the eve of the International Vesak Day celebrations, the biggest festival of Buddhists. The Gangaramaya Temple is situated in bustling inner-city Colombo near the scenic Beira Lake. The temple complex is a popular tourist site, a place of worship, and a learning and vocational training centre. The temple's architecture demonstrates an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. Several welfare services, including an old peoples' homes, a vocational school, and an orphanage are run from the temple complex. The temple is uniquely attractive and tolerant to congregation members of many different religions. Earlier today, Modi was received at the Colombo International Airport by PM Wickremesinghe and several senior ministers, including Sri Lankan foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera. On reaching Colombo, Modi tweeted, "I am happy to be in Sri Lanka, where I will join the International Vesak Day Celebrations." Modi is here primarily to participate in the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations tomorrow in Colombo with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and PM Wickremesinghe as the chief guest. Before leaving for Colombo, he wrote in a Facebook post that it was an honour for him to join these celebrations with President Sirisena and PM Wickremesinghe. Vesak marks the birth, enlightenment and the passing of the Buddha. It was officially recognised by the United Nations in 1999. Sri Lanka had played an essential role in the recognition of this day, and India too had supported its neighbouring country in the initiative. This is Modi's second bilateral visit to Sri Lanka in two years. He last visited the island nation in March 2015. However, this visit is apolitical. "Will be in Sri Lanka for a two-day visit during which I will join Vesak Day celebrations & other programmes," PM Modi had earlier tweeted. Sri Lanka is hosting the event for the first time. Celebrated sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik will make the world's longest sand Buddha statue at a special Vesak zone near the Sri Lankan Parliament. Various religious and political leaders, especially from the countries with Buddhist connection, will be attending the event. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will also be attending the lamp lighting ceremony at Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple in Colombo. He will also be unveiling a plaque at the faculty of the Kandyan dance which is being constructed with India's assistance. The Prime Minister will also be visiting the hilly regions of Sri Lanka that host tea plantations. He will be inaugurating a 150-bed multi-specialty hospital at Dikoya. India will be giving an aid of US$2.6 billion for the hospital. Sri Lanka's hilly regions home Indian Tamil people who work in tea plantains. (WION with inputs from agencies)

PM Modi offers prayers at ancient Buddhist temple in Colombo, to preside over Vesak Day celebrations

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