The Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959 and the Cultural Revolution from 1966-80 wreaked destruction on the great monastic institutions, including Tashi Lhunpo, which lost many of the precious scriptures, statues and images. Of the 6,000 monks in the monastery, only 250 were able to follow the Dalai Lama into exile, and in 1972, under the patronage of the present Dalai Lama, Tashi Lhunpo Monastery was re-established in the Southern Indian state of Karnataka.
Occupying a central position in the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe, the monastery is now home to 300 monks, and has once again regained its reputation as an important centre for learning and for the preservation of the culture and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
Time of the Skeleton Lords is the fourth album from the monks of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and their second 30IPS release following 2008's Dawn Till Dusk, which was lauded by the Rough Guide to World Music as "Exhilarating multi-layered rhythmic recitation of chants: a shimmering monument of polyphonic sonority." The new album was recorded on location in India, and features sacred Tibetan prayers and ritual music marking the great cycle of life, death and rebirth – the journey of the consciousness through the Bardo, according to Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
“Beautiful and captivating” - Songlines
“A timely release” - Observer Music Monthly
“A psychedelic whirl of chanting, dancing, drums and cymbals” - The Times
“A magical universe of reincarnation and release” - The Independent
Tashi Lhunpo Monks Official website: http://www.tashi-lhunpo.org.uk/
