The Bandura was believed to be a companion of humanity, producing heavenly reverberations to comfort our souls in this material world. This exceptional instrument originates from the spiritual culture of the ancient Sumero-Akkadian civilization. The Akkadians played early versions of the Bandura in their religious events as well as in festivities and for entertainment. Later, the charming instrument was introduced into eastern European countries. The beautiful bandura where several distinctly recognizable styles are used in performances. Many Ukrainian people considered these singing bandurists to be “God’s messengers,” or “vessels of God’s word.” Like their musical predecessors, modern-day folk bandurists assimilate melodies from a wide range of inspirations. Let’s now enjoy a delightful solo by a famous bandurist, Victor Mishalow, as he performs for the National Library of Australia Collection.

Also known as the alpenhorn or alpine horn, the alphorn is a traditional wooden wind instrument that delivers natural tones. Historically it is known as a means of communication among shepherds, who often play it in the evening to call their cows to return home, as its resonating sound can travel for miles, ushering in the falling dusk. The instrument has no lateral openings, making the sound it produces a pure natural harmonic series. In Switzerland, the length of an alphorn is set at 3.5 meters, which corresponds to the key of F sharp/G flat. And, despite its original, simple form, it is a difficult instrument to play. The distinctive sound of the alphorn offers listeners the richness of a brass instrument, and the softness of a woodwind. The famous traditional Swiss song, “Ranz des Vaches” or “Kuhreihen” is often heard played on the alphorn. It is a herdsman’s song that describes alpine cowherds singing to call their cows home from the pasture. The song’s simple melody often evokes nostalgic feelings in the hearts of the Swiss people. The sound of the alphorn belongs not only to the mountains of Switzerland, but also to the words of jazz, funk, and rock music.

The Kalinago, previously known as the Caribs, are a proudly independent group of people who emigrated from South America to the Caribbean islands around the 13th century. Their skills as boat builders and sailors helped them expand their territory so that by the time the Spanish arrived two centuries later, they were the dominant culture on the islands. Today, most of the remaining 3,500 or so Kalinago live in Kalinago Territory, an autonomous region on the rugged eastern coast of Dominica. Fortunately, certain elements remained very strong, including basket weaving, cassava processing and canoe-building. Canoes have been a bedrock of the Kalinago culture since their ancestors left the Orinoco River Delta in South America 800 years ago. Through the concept of a living museum, the Kalinago Cultural Village by the Sea has created direct and indirect economic opportunities for the people, including employment for the Kalinago youth that enables them to showcase their traditions.

Today, we will take you to Âu Lạc (Vietnam), to explore and enjoy the poetic and alluring beauty of the Moon Lute, a folk musical instrument classified as one of the national treasures of this beautiful country. The Moon Lute has other names such as “Kìm” Lute, Double-stringed Lute or Gentleman Lute. From its moon-shaped body, it was named the Moon Lute. The Moon Lute came to Âu Lạc during the Lý dynasty, around the 16th century, and quickly transformed and became the most loved instrument in the plucked-string family of this country. Regarding the origin of the Moon Lute, according to former Professor Đặng Xuân Khải, the Traditional Music Department’s Dean of The Vietnam National Academy of Music, the Moon Lute has existed since the 16th century. “The Moon Lute from China came to Âu Lạc (Vietnam) as a 4-string lute. However, the artisans in the Huế Imperial Palace changed it into two strings, so its sound became sharper.” “In the Nguyễn dynasty, as our kings cared very much for our culture which includes arts, to have something unique for Âu Lạc (Vietnam), the king decided to have this lute turned into the Moon Lute.” “The Moon Lute is very different from other musical instruments. All other string instruments have openings in their body so that sound can escape. But the Moon Lute requires that its body’s front, back, bottom, and neck need to be all airtight. The Moon Lute requires no openings. However, the person who plays the Moon Lute has to pluck hard so that the sound comes out strong and clear.” The long neck of the Moon Lute enables the frets to produce loud, soft, long, short sounds to transform high pitch sounds, and to portray a wide range of emotions. To close the program, we invite you to enjoy the song “Forget Me Not,” composed by Supreme Master Ching Hai, with the Moon Lute performance by artist Phan Thị Mai Chung, and illustrated dance by our Association members.

Dance is an integral part of the African culture, and today we are delighted to share with you a very exceptional and unique dance form from West Africa. Zaouli is regarded as a homage to feminine beauty. The dance was created in the 1950s by the Gouro, an ethnic group in the midwestern part of Côte d’Ivoire, with each Gouro village having a prized Zaouli dancer. The dance and accompanying music were inscribed on the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017. Let's now enjoy a spirited Zaouli performance. An interesting component of the distinctive dance is that it is always performed by a male! The costume consists of bright colors. The mask and cloth adorn the body from the head down to the shoulders and arms. They will perform at parties, social gatherings, and funerals. Zaouli is viewed as a peace-making component of West African culture. Ethnic Jewels Magazine describes the dance as “a celebration of calm following conflict.”

Located in Southeast Asia, the Kingdom of Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is a country steeped in rich cultural traditions. The name “Thailand” means “land of the free.” In this auspicious nation, one of the earliest signs of human existence was found. Through the centuries, the influence of neighboring countries such as India, China, and Cambodia have helped shape Thailand’s diverse and colorful culture. Our program today will focus on their beautiful and iconic traditional dance. Known for its elegance, bright glittering costumes, graceful movements, and melodious musical accompaniments, this cherished art form mesmerizes people around the world. For nearly a thousand years, the Thai people have developed numerous dance styles. Thai dance has two main categories, classical and folk. Today, the popular Thai classical dance styles include Khon, Lakhon, and Hun Lakhon Lek. Among the different folk dance styles, the Fawn and Menora dances are the most popular today. Khon is a valuable part of the heritage and wisdom of the Thai people. In 2018, the classical Khon Masked Dance Drama was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Regardless of the style, the basic movements and steps of Thai traditional dances are generally elegant and slow-paced, expressing humble and peaceful feelings. Hand movements are important elements in both Thai classical and folk dance. In folk dance performances such as Fawn and Menora, female dancers wear long artificial fingernails to enhance the gracefulness of their hand movements. Costumes Costumes play an important role in Thai dance. In classical dance, the costumes are mainly gold, or other bright colors, with glittering decorations or embroidered flowers. Through royal patronage, the efforts of traditional artists, and greater exposure to foreign tourists, the vibrance of Thai traditional dance was restored for the world. More than just an art form, this traditional dance is a symbol of Thailand itself.

As mentioned in the previous episode, Hawaiian mythologies, history, genealogies, and traditions were passed down from generation to generation through chant, or “oli,” and accompanying dance called “hula.” Today we are honored to have on our show Kumu Hula (master hula teacher) and choreographer, Ms. Nawahine Kuraoka. Ms. Kuraoka is here to share with us her knowledge of the beautiful hula dance. “We all got to love hula as much as we love our family, as hula is part of our life. And hula is not just hula. Hula is life for us. Everything is Hula.” “We talk about the ancient ways of hula Kahiko with ipu, ipu heke and the pahu drum. And we use these instruments to dance ancient hula.” “Everything is alive, living plants, living hula, that’s what we do. Living hula each and every day, from morning to sunset. We thank God each and every day with ‘pule’ or pray to give thanks for all that we have. That's why I tell a lot of people, ‘Don't take for granted where you live, that we are so lucky, so lucky!’”

Among the Austronesian peoples of the world, the Bunun aboriginal group of Taiwan (Formosa) lives at the northernmost and highest point on Earth. They are known as the patron saints of Yushan Mountain, the island's tallest mountain. They have an orally-based culture with no written language, and they are also the ethnic group with the most ceremonies among Taiwan (Formosa)'s aborigines. Today, we explore the Bunun’s legends and rituals. The Bunun’s grandest festival is the harvest celebration. The pasibubut (eight-part polyphony) sung at the festival is a world-renowned traditional musical art form. While expressing the group’s best wishes and gratefulness to Heaven, the key point is the singers’ harmony and the sincerity in their hearts, rather than the prayer’s lyrics. The statues at the gate of Tao-yuan Primary School in Taitung County’s Yanping Township are unique. They are of a red-billed black bulbul and toad. These humble animals are the superheroes of a Bunun legend. The Bunun believe that the red-billed black bulbul originally did not have a red beak, red feet, or a black body, and the toad did not exist. The bird's appearance changed, and the toad was created because of saving the Bunun people. All ceremonies are regarded as important events by the Bunun people. For any ceremony, there will be group singing and dancing, just as pasibutbut (eight-part polyphony) is sung to Heaven during the harvest festival. The Bunun plant a staple food called millet. When millet is harvested, they hold a Homeyaya (Millet Offering) and sing to express their gratitude to Heaven. This is a Homeyaya song that the Bunun elders performed for us. Next is a song by the children from the Bunun Tao-yuan Primary School Choir, and is sung especially for our viewers! The meaning of the song is to thank and pray to Heaven and the ancestral spirits for a healthy environment and giving the Bunun people peaceful days!

The Mongolian people are devout spiritual seekers. Their sincerity in searching for spiritual elevation is expressed through many songs that praise and worship the Divine. Today, we would like to introduce three of these sacred songs. The first, “Khelkhee Ayalguu,” is a folk song that was performed by M. Saruultugs of the Erdenet Ensemble at the 2nd International Artist Day Celebration concert, “Awakening through Art,” in 2018. The song “Khelkhee Ayalguu,” expresses worship for the Great Burkhan Khaldun mountain and Mother Nature. Our next song is called “Tsagaan Shukhert” or “Blessing from the White Goddess.” The White Goddess in the song refers to our beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai. Ms. Erdenechimeg’s voice seems to have brought sunlight into our hearts. Our last song, called “Queen Mother of the Universe,” was dedicated to Supreme Master Ching Hai by Ganchimeg, a state-honored artist of Mongolia at Mongolia’s Save Our World Concert. “From the Buddha’s Land, You descended on Earth, taking care of our destiny bestowing Your lullaby upon us.”

An artistic people, Bulgarians hope to better the world through music and dance. Thus, it’s no wonder that Bulgarian folk singing is recognized as a national treasure. Now Let's hear a famous traditional folk song called “Dilmano Dilbero,” performed by Le Mystѐre des Voix Bulgares, or The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices. A major aspect of Bulgarian folklore is the fact that its music and song Lyrics give rise to a playful childlike joy and mood. From generation to generation, many songs expressing the most casual, funny moments from everyday life have been passed down. Our next song, “Sama Li Si Den Zhanala?” or “were You Alone in the Fields?” is one of these ancient songs. We’ll now conclude our program with a beautiful piece performed by the Bulgarian folk choir Cosmic Voices of Bulgaria, with Conductor Gancho Gavazov in collaboration with the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra.

Ethiopia is one of the world’s oldest countries. In today’s show, we are delighted to share with you three Ethiopian worship songs in Amharic. The First song is called, “Holy Spirit,” performed by Zuriyash Tsega W/Tensai and Samuel T Michael. The song expresses one’s deep longing for the radiant presence of the Holy Spirit. Our next song is “Igziabeher’s Peace” composed by Mesfin Gutu, and performed by Bereket, Ephrem, Sammy, and Teddy. “Igziabeher” means “Our Father Lord of Eternity” in Geez, a language used by the ancient Ethiopian Tewahado Church. Finally, our third song is called “It is Possible,” performed by Kalkidan Abebe and composed by Ayouab Gebremariam. This Amharic Gospel song uplifts our spirit and reminds us of all the things we can do when we remember God.

The hula dance is an integral part of Hawaiian culture, and dates back 1,500 years ago, when the ancient Polynesians voyaged to Hawaii. In ancient Hawaii, there were different dances for various occasions. One of the rules in Hula dancing is “Kuhi no ka lima, hele no ka maka” or “Where the hands move, there let the eyes follow.” In other words, a dancer should always watch their hands at all times, rather than looking at the audience. In Hawaiian Hula dance, each movement, expression, and gesture is deliberate, with a specific meaning. “A hula dancer is a storyteller, you’re telling the story. So, if you’re talking about ‘This is my song.’ So of course you’re gonna be, your hands to your mouth and out, and because you want to give to your audience.” According to Hawaiian legend, the goddess of Hula is Laka, who is also the goddess of the forest, and watches over all vegetation. It’s believed that Goddess Laka provides inspiration for Hula dancers, and so many dancers today still pray to her for successful performances. With soothing music, and body movements connecting natural vibrations and energy, Hula is not only spiritual but also therapeutic.

In Japanese “Taiko” means the “great drum.” For generations, the method of taiko playing has been taught and passed on by grand masters. In varying shapes and sizes, taiko drums have long been a part of Japanese cultural, religious, and musical traditions. The art of taiko drumming is known for its tightly choreographed movements similar to martial arts. The instrument’s fluid, powerful, and rhythmic playing style symbolizes the heartbeat of Japan. With the emergence of art forms such as Noh and Kabuki dance-drama, taiko drums eventually became an accompanying instrument in theatre and court music. The Buddhist and Shinto religions gave taiko drums a sanctifying role. Taiko drumming is also an integral part of Matsuri festivals in Japan, where communities celebrate the gods and honour their ancestors. There are now over 8,000 taiko groups in Japan, more than a dozen groups in Canada, and many more worldwide. Let's enjoy a synchronized drumming performance by Kokyo Taiko.

The word Ainu means human in the Ainu language. Ainu mainly reside on Japan’s Hokkaido Island, with a very small number living in Russia. The traditional dress is comprised of a robe covered with geometric patterns. Genetic studies certainly reveal a fascinating picture of the Ainu people’s ancestry. It is thought that the Ainu are descendants of the Jōmon people whose culture flourished between 14,000 BC and 300 BC in what is now modern-day Japan. The Ainu have traditionally had a strong bond with the natural world. In the Ainu belief system, two worlds exist. One is the world of the kamuy or the world of the gods, and the other is the Ainu world. Souls are thought to reside within natural phenomena such as the trees, plants, and animals, and there is an emphasis on living in mutual respect with the kamuy. One place where a deep connection can be made with nature is Lake Akan, a serene crater lake in the Akan Mashu National Park in Eastern Hokkaido. It has been suggested that the traditional Ainu symbiosis with nature is symbolized at Lake Akan by the unique marimo algae balls that appear here. In the Ainu language, the balls are referred to as tokarip or torasampe. Traditional Ainu dance was designated as an important intangible folk-cultural property by the Japanese government in 1984, and was listed as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2009. The traditional style involves a large circle of dancers, sometimes with onlookers who sing an acapella accompaniment. Some dances imitate the calls and movements of animals or insects such as the Crane and Typhoon dance; other dances are in fact rituals. Believing that deities can be found in their surroundings, the Ainu frequently use dance to worship and give thanks to nature. Dancing was also done for entertainment and enjoyment. Another Ainu artform is the Yukar, or epic poetry. Epics, songs, and stories are how the Ainu passed on their knowledge to each new generation. Some of their oral literature, such as Yayerap, Sakorpe, Oyna, or Kamuy Yukar, have melodies. One of the musical instruments that the Ainu play is called the mukkuri. This mouth harp is usually made from bamboo or a single piece of wood. Another instrument is the tonkori, which experienced a revival in the last two decades. It is the only stringed instrument in the Ainu tradition. Oki Kano is widely regarded to be the most prominent tonkori player.

The Basque Country is a region covering southwest France and northwest Spain that the locals call Euskal Herria, or “Basque speaker.” It is believed that the Basques are descendants of Neolithic farmers who became separated from other European communities due to their geographical isolation. Their land features mountainous terrain, rocky landscapes, coastal lookouts and an abundance of beauty! The

Our program today will feature Hindu songs composed and performed by Mr. Ramanathan Brahmanandam, a respected Hindu scholar and musician. He is also a compassionate vegetarian, who practices ahimsa (nonviolence) to aid his own Self-realization. Apart from being a distinguished scholar of Hinduism, Mr. Brahmanandam is also well-versed in the classical music tradition of South India. He composes and sings his own compositions in Tamil, which are steeped in philosophical content. The first song is called “kaņņirundum,” which stresses the importance of learning the scared text Ātma-bodha, or knowledge of the Self. The song initiates with a sloka, which serves as a prayer to the Divine Self, the true essence of our being. The next song is called “Thaye-en-Thuyar,”which expresses one’s longing to see the Mother Goddess Pārvatī in Hinduism and to be saved from the cycle of transmigration. “You are the illusion manifesting as reality! The Empress of the universe! Goddess of good qualities! Will You not cast Your glance at me?”

Germany stretches across Western and Central Europe, covering about 357,000 square kilometers and shares its borders with nine other European countries. With a population of more than 80 million people, Germany is the second-most populous state in Europe after Russia. Germany’s economy is the fifth-largest in the world, and the German approach is considered a role model for other nations to follow in terms of politics, social policies and economics. The state’s long and rich history arises from a diverse array of religions, customs, and traditions. The nation has been a forerunner of European thought, politics, and art for over 1,000 years. “The land of poets and thinkers” is the historical name for Germany. Its writers and philosophers have played a key role in shaping the development of Western thought. In 2013 and 2014, a BBC global opinion poll regarding various nations found that the majority selected Germany as having the most positive influence in the world. Being a country of intellectuals, it is not surprising that German culture and people highly value reason and logic. Germans respect order and structure and thus believe in strict adherence to rules. “There must be order” is a common expression for all Germans, and it has become a cultural cliché for Germans around the world, as well as a norm for them at home. Germans have contributed enormously to the field of classical music. The nation is home to many renowned classical composers, namely Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Handel, Telemann, etc. Germany is an open and advanced society with some of the world’s most progressive policies regarding gender equality, safeguarding those of diverse sexual orientation, and immigration. Germans value the benefits of a multicultural society, and thus they welcome migrants and refugees with open arms.

Today, we present some highlights of the Sámi culture, an indigenous culture present in the northernmost Nordic countries and the Kola Peninsula within the Murmansk Oblast of Russia. Traditionally, the bond between the Sámi and the natural land has been profound and sacred. They have historically lived their lives in accordance with nature. Deeply grounded in the understanding that from the earth comes life, the Sámi hold the view that all beings are threads in the same great fabric. Over history, they looked to nature for guidance and keenly observed symbols in everyday life such as cloud formations, changes in wind patterns and weather, and movements of animals. They watched for and learned from the rhythms of nature. To this day, the Sámi truly respect and cherish Mother Earth. The yoik also played an important role in shamanism. As a historically nomadic people, the Sámi preferred connection to the land over land ownership. Their kinship with nature was pure in the sense that they did not view land as something that could be divided and owned. They didn't erect fences or boundaries. Instead, their lifestyles focused on living in harmony with the natural spaces, using nature’s resources as wisely as possible, and respecting the earth's cycles. This deep respect continues to this day, and committed people of the Sámi culture have spoken out to remind humanity of the necessity to preserve our environment. We wish that the Sámi people continue to propagate their language and their cultural contributions like the yoik for the world to enjoy and celebrate. May we also take to heart their philosophy of treading lightly on our only planetary home.

Since ancient times, humans have expressed their love and longing for God through singing and music. These holy songs connect us with the Divine and remind us of our heavenly Home. Russia is a multi-continental country stretching from Eastern Europe to Northern Asia and spanning eleven time zones, it is the largest country in the world by area. Russian Orthodoxy has been the main religion for a millennium after Russia adopted Byzantine Orthodox Christianity in 988. The spiritual and artistic Russian people have piously searched for their spiritual elevation, and there are countless Russian holy songs. Today we are privileged to share with you two Russian Orthodox chants performed by the amazing Chór Akademicki UW, or University of Warsaw Choir, one of the oldest academic choirs in Poland. Both chants are from “All-Night Vigil,” a cappella choral composition by the famous Russian composer of the Romantic period, Sergei Rachmaninoff. This extraordinary composition was hailed as “the greatest musical achievement of the Russian Orthodox Church.” The first chant, “Blessed Art Thou, O Lord” is one of the Byzantine Orthodox morning prayers in the ancient Russian language, praising the Lord Jesus Christ who had triumphed over death. This piece expressed such joy for the rising of the Lord Jesus Christ. How fortunate are we to have the Savior, the Son of God, to walk among us and teach us right from wrong. The next chant is called “Blessed is the Man.” The Lord knows the way of the righteous and blessed are those who heed His teachings. May we aspire to heed the messages of the Enlightened Masters and return to our pure, loving self-nature.

Fully embracing their multi-culture identity, Malaysians have a unique custom called, “open house,” which means during important cultural and religious festivals, they would open their houses to welcome not only friends and families, but also strangers. Through feasting and chatting together, cultural barriers are broken and new friendships are formed. Though 60% of the population are Muslims, national holidays such as Christmas, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and native harvesting festivals are also celebrated, alongside various Islamic holidays such as the holy month of Ramadan, Eid-ul Fitr, and Eid-ul Adha. Now let’s take a look at how Malaysians celebrate some of their other holidays. His Excellency, Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, actively promotes harmonious existence among citizens of different races and backgrounds. “Malaysia was built on the foundations of tolerance, goodwill, mutual respect, the readiness of giving and sharing, selflessness, and a desire to make sacrifices for the sake of the country.” “Without such traits, Malaysia would not have grown into a developed country, which is capable of giving its people all the comforts and progress it has today.”