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So, immediately after that, I got a commission to write a piece for chamber orchestra, and in working on the material I discovered it was possible to incorporate the Buddhist teachings into the music, so that's what I started to do.

When I first was exposed to Buddhism in the mid-1960s, I said it was so practical and utterly pragmatic. That's what attracted me to Buddhism.

My music is not just about entertainment. It is about enlightenment also.

Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.

But I do think that we approach music, in of itself, with a religious attitude.

I feel a lot more secure about the directions I take, than I might have, had I not practiced Buddhism.

I definitely try to broaden the scope of music. I don't know if it's pop or classical or what, but I'm religiously challenging myself all the time, for better or for worse.

There's a spiritual complement to any attempt at transposing a commitment to humanity through music or art.

I find most 'sacred music' pretty dismal.

Music infuses your spirit with a certain energy that I try to convey in my work.