Dalai Lama to release debut album to celebrate his 85th birthday

The Dalai Lama has announced details of his debut album, to be released in July. 

The spiritual leader will release his first album, titled Inner World, on July 6 to coincide with his 85th birthday celebrations.

The 11-track album features the Dalai Lama reciting the mantra of the Buddha of Compassion and giving short teachings over a bed of traditional Tibetan music.

The record also features an array of musicians from around the world, including Grammy-nominated sitar player Anoushka Shankar on the track Ama La.

"The very purpose of my life is to serve as much as I can," said the Dalai Lama in a statement. "Music can help people in a way that I can’t."

Inner World will be released through Khandro Music and Hitco Entertainment, the entertainment company founded by LA Reid and Charles Goldstuck. Their roster of music artists includes Jennifer Lopez, Saint Jhn, Outkast's Big Boi, Fifth Harmony's Dinah Jane and Yella Beezy.  

Net proceeds from sales of Inner World will go to the Mind & Life Institute as well as Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning), an international education intiative developed by Emory University and the Dalai Lama.

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