An interview with Daniel Yeo -- Stanley Ang

Refusing to believe that it is not in Buddhist culture to sing, and firmly rooted in passion for dhamma and music, Daniel sets out transforming Buddhist music through music arrangement, packaging, and most importantly, producing music for children and making dhamma and music part of their lives. FYI shares his passions and hopes in this interview.

Q1: Why did you choose to release a CD of children’s Buddhist songs in English? What were you hoping to achieve?

A senior editor from a western country Buddhist Publishing Company once told me that he has not come across any children’s Buddhist CD (songs) in English. That is the reason why I chose English as the medium to teach Dhamma to kids in our CD. There is a need for such an album, especially in societies like Singapore and Malaysia. And because it is in English, we can spread this product to other English-speaking countries. Music is a powerful tool to teach Dhamma to kids. And we, as a Buddhist community, are not taking full advantage of this wonderful tool.

We hope that Dhamma class teachers and parents can use these series of CDs as teaching aid in their dhamma class. “Come and see?has traveled to UK, Germany, Japan, USA, and many south east Asian countries. Buddhists in Australia even adopted this CD as an official teaching aid in certain schools.

Q2: What musical styles or influences do you draw on for your compositions?

Something which kids can relate to. Something in line with Sesame Street or even “Hi Five?would be interesting.

Q3: Ehipassiko is now quite a frequently-heard song, having appeared in a Channel News Asia programme and in musical group Soracco’s performances. What do you think of this success?

This is a good start for us. Perhaps, a systematic, orchestrated way of introducing the album to Dhamma schools in Singapore and Malaysia is needed. Teachers can then use it as a complimentary aid to teach Dhamma to kids. And when parents learn the Dhamma together with their children through the CD, it helps to promote family ties and positive values.... then our humble effort will be hailed as successful.

One idea would be to have singing competitions for children, using the songs from “Come and See? Our Malaysian counterparts have already organized numerous such events. At the end of the day, these activities serve as a platform for Dhamma teachings to set foot into families. This is the true value of our CD.

Q4: What is your view on contemporary Buddhist music?

Depending on what is the definition of contemporary Buddhist music. Groups like Bodhicitta, Sunny Rain are putting in tremendous effort in spreading Dhamma through songs. I am personally not in favor of techno/hard rock Buddhist songs/chant. The must-have ingredients of a piece of good Buddhist song:

a) An ability to lead one to goodness.

b) An ability to induce a feeling of peace, calm and joy.

But it is really a personal choice as to what Buddhist song is suitable for oneself.

Q5: Do you think that these might detract from traditional Buddhist practices?

What deemed to be traditions was once a new idea. Not everyone agreed with the Buddha when he allowed the ordination of women into the order of the Sangha. The Buddha was a great reformer of his time.

The Dhamma has not changed, but the needs of modern men are constantly evolving. I think how our Buddhist music and Buddhism stay relevant in this fast-paced society is perhaps, more important than whether they stay traditional or not.

Q6: What would you always keep despite the change?

I would always keep to the essence of the Buddha’s teachings. What is important is that the music cannot be hysterical. It can be country, jazz or blues, but once it becomes ‘hysterical? it loses the soothing and uplifting effect. More importantly, it looses the ability to inspire.

Q7: What are your hopes for the future in this area?

It is my humble wish that what D-kidz does through our series of CDs can compliment our Dhamma schools. We hope to inspire change in the way we teach Dhamma to our children.

If you wish to listen to more of our songs, support us by buying and encouraging others to buy originals. All proceeds will be used to churn out more such CDs for providing a FUN, INTERACTIVE & SIMPLE Dhamma learning experience for kids.

Let the good Dhamma spread and multiply, and hope it will become our culture to sing. Hopefully, one day there will be many concerts and musical events, and everyone uses music to spread the Dhamma, and passes it on to the next generation. That would be a real success.