Almost 50 years ago Tenzin Choeygal was around four years old and, alongside his parents, fled their homeland Tibet, becoming refugees overnight and today one of the world’s most uplifting talented music composers and singers. He will be in the Byron Shire next Friday night with the Tashi Lhunpo monks raising support for the 100s of displaced children of Nepal, Tibet and India Himalayas.
Are all Tibetans nomads?
Not all Tibetans are nomads but at this time they must feel like nomads wondering around the globe waiting to return home to Tibet.
If home is a place then always one wants to be back in Tibet.
Where is home for you?
Where my music is and where I am in the moment. Right now Australia is my home and my family and my music are here.
How big is your footprint?
Living in exile, we fled to Nepal for a few years, living in the vast desert of Upper Mustang then most of childhood was in Dharamsala in an orphanage while my parents stayed in Upper Mustang where my father passed away early on and my mother more recently.
I am travelling always with music and travelling with amazingly talented warmhearted artists around the globe. I’ve had the joy of creating music with Philip Glass and Patti Smith among many international artists and I look forward to meeting with Amir Paiss, Elena Williams, Alexa, Rachel, and Kevin James next Friday.
What has changed for you?
Technology is the most significant change. Many monks now have mobile phones but I used my first phone and made a call only in mid-90s, as we grew up very simply in Nepal and India, off grid.
Which words from HH Dalai Lama 14th really affect your life?
“If you can help somebody then help them; if you can’t then don’t harm them.”
What inspires you?
Life itself inspires me to be as joyous as possible, and this is how I feel when I sing.
What do you value most?
Compassion is the most important for me.
How does a monk child live?
Similarly to an Australian child, only they study a few languages as well as the Tibetan texts and their days are longer.
Any messages for young ones?
Compassion for the children is all I wish, no words of wisdom. They are smart enough to know their own life; they have the global knowledge in their palm. I am not teaching anything. I want for them to be global citizens and they can find their own individual paths. And as a parent you can only give them encouragement.
Friday evening 5.30pm Mullumbimby Civic Hall For Tibet with Love with dinner, cakes and refreshments being served and a great lineup. Welcome to country will begin at 6.30pm sharp. It is a family-friendly event. BYO cushion and water. There will be seating provided too. All smaller children are requested to bring small activities to play and a parent. TBC puppet show. One hundred per cent fundraiser for refugee children of Himalayas.
Tickets on sale at Amore Mullumbimby and on the door until sold out.
Entry donations: $25 Adult; $20 Concession; or $49 for the family. Children under 13 free.
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