I started using Bodhi-Bowl as my artist name in 2025, after I stumbled across an AI music generator called Songer AI.
To be honest, I have always loved music, but I am a terrible singer and completely musically illiterate. I don’t play an instrument, I can’t read music, and I never imagined that I would one day be making songs.
But I had always wished for something that seemed strangely absent: modern Buddhist music that I would actually enjoy listening to.
I remember hearing The Prodigal Son by Casting Crowns on the radio. Although it is a Christian song, the imagery that came into my mind was Amitabha Buddha. And I found myself wondering:
“Why doesn’t Buddhist music make it onto the radio?”
“Why aren’t there Dharma pop songs?”
I have never been particularly drawn to traditional Buddhist music. Much of it is devotional and hymn-like, while I tend to gravitate towards pop, electronic music, jazz, lo-fi, dance music, and other contemporary sounds.
So I used to think, Maybe someday someone will make cool Buddhist pop music.
Then I discovered AI music generation. And for the first time, I could take an idea, a Buddhist teaching, a story, a sutta or sutra—or even something I had written for this blog—and turn it into a song.
It was surprisingly liberating.
At first, I distributed my AI-generated music through TuneCore and later DistroKid. It was exciting to see Bodhi-Bowl appear on Spotify and other music platforms. But as platform policies around AI-generated music evolved, distributing the songs through the usual channels became increasingly difficult.
So I decided to bring the music home.
This blog is now also a place where I share my music.
Dharma for ordinary life
Most of my songs begin with something that catches my attention while writing for this blog: a Buddhist story, a sutta or sutra, a particular teaching, or simply something about ordinary human life.
I then ask myself:
What would this teaching sound like as a song?
I am not interested in turning Buddhist teachings into academic lectures set to music. I want to explore how the Dharma speaks to the noise of modern life—deadlines, injustice, ego, burnout, loneliness, disappointment, relationships, and the everyday struggle to keep going. There is fear, longing, grief, hope, frustration and joy.
These are ordinary human experiences, and they are where I think Buddhist wisdom can become most immediate and meaningful.
The music is created in collaboration with AI, but the ideas behind the songs come from my exploration of Buddhist teachings and from life as an ordinary person trying to make sense of it all.
Why Bodhi-Bowl?
The name Bodhi-Bowl is inspired by the humble alms bowl of the Buddhist monastic tradition.
An alms bowl receives whatever is offered. I like that image.
In the same way, I want Bodhi-Bowl to be a place that can hold the whole range of human experience—not just the peaceful and beautiful parts, but also the messy, confusing and painful ones.
I never set out to become a musician. I simply wanted to hear Buddhist ideas expressed through the kind of music I enjoy. AI gave me a way to finally do that. Now I can listen to my own music while commuting, working out, or doing chores around the house.
In a funny way, that little wish I had years ago has finally come true.
I wanted Buddhist music that I would actually enjoy listening to. Now I can make it.
And I hope you enjoy listening to it too.
If any of the songs resonate with you, feel free to download them and share them with others.
And if you would like to support what I am doing, you can buy me a coffee using the button below. There is absolutely no obligation, and any amount is appreciated.
Thank you for listening, and thank you for being part of the Bodhi-Bowl journey. (Meanwhile, bear with me as I start the arduous process of bring all the songs back here)
>>>>> Click Title to find out more about the song & right-click the track to download
Million Money Mantra (May 9, 2026) | Shamanic Chant Pop | Featuring a famous Thai mantra that is efficacious for attracting wealth – Katha Ngern Lan. The catch is that you have to make an annual donation (voluntary amount) to a Thai Buddhist temple where monks reside.
Om Mani Padme Hum Song (May 9, 2026) | Dream Pop | Step off the corporate treadmill, quiet the relentless chase, and let the noise dissolve into peace. This is ‘Om Mani Padme Hum.’ The wish-fulfilling Gem is Contentment.
Samajivina Wedding (May 9, 2026) | Dream Pop | Envisioned a Buddhist Wedding Song! Inspired by the Samajivina Sutta where Buddha taught a devoted couple about everlasting love.
Scary People (May 9, 2026) | Dance Pop | Clear out the toxic energy, protect your peace, and hit block on anyone trying to drain your joy. Sweet, sassy, and effortlessly savage. Featuring a verse from the Mangala Sutta – Asevanā ca bālānam
Itipiso It’s Alright (Aug 10, 2025) | Ambient Pop | Breathe out the heavy weight of the world and let the healing begin. When everything feels like too much, sometimes the bravest thing you can do is just let go. Featuring a popular mantra by Ajhan Lee for healing.
Namo Buddha (Aug 10, 2025) | Synth Pop | A simple melodic anthem for taking refuge in the Triple Gems, and incorporating the syllabus Bha as a sing-along hook, easy for children to participate.
Wake Up! (Jul 25, 2025) | Hip Hop | A rebel song. Drop the ego, call on clarity, and remind the ones at the top that true power comes from wisdom, not walls—this is “Om Ah Ra Pa Cha Na Dhi.”
Calling Amita (Jul 31, 2025) | Pop-Rock | When the shadows of yesterday feel too heavy to carry, crying out for a safe harbor is the first step toward home. Turn your face to the light and listen to the sound of Nembutsu.
No Fear (May 8, 2025) | K-Pop/Rap | A thunderous rock anthem inspired by the Heart Sutra’s declaration of fearlessness. “Shim-mu-ga-ae.” (心无挂碍), it transforms anxiety into courage, reminding us that true freedom begins when there’s nothing left to fear.
Bhagava Blessed One (Nov 16, 2025) | Pop/Rock | A devotional worship pop inspired by the popular Itipiso Bhagava Arhant….. prayers. Think praising Buddha in a stadium rock concert!
Sukhavati Within (Nov 16, 2025) | Ambient Trance | A devotional worship dance floor sway to the beat of 往生咒 （dharani for rebirth in Sukhavati Pure Land). Incorporates the message that pureland is in our hearts and minds.
Divine Guardian (Dec 7, 2025) | Hip-Hop | Call on the unseen guardians, tighten your moral compass, and let ancient protection back up your modern hustle—features a Pali call to the Divine Guardians, Hemavata & Sātāgiri for protection.
Blessed (Dec 11, 2025) | Dance Pop | Drop the comparison trap, trade the highlight reel for a thrift-store mug, and realize you already have everything you need. Turn up the feel-good bounce and let this song cheer you on.
Side by Side (Dec 13, 2025) | Indie Ballad Pop | Grab a warm cup of tea, sit close, and let the quiet acoustic chords wrap around you. This is a song about the kind of deep, steady companionship that doesn’t need to shout to mean everything – a Dharma Friend.
Zen Coffee (May 8, 2026) | Bubbly Pop | A playful pop about finding mindfulness in a cup of coffee.
Unsaid (Dec 19, 2025) | Ballad | A song inspired by Prince Siddhartha’s relationship with his dad, King Suddhodhana. Even across the space of different paths and unsaid words, the footprint of a father’s love remains.
While You’re Still Here (Jan 3, 2026) | Ballad | A song inspired by the verse Putta darassa saṅgaho from the Mangala Sutta. It means the cherishing, supporting, or assistance of one’s wife and children. This song reminds us not to take things for granted.
Dukkha (Jan 11, 2026) | Blues | Inspired by the Buddha’s First Noble Truth. With honest lyrics and soaring emotion, it reminds us that pain is a shared part of being human—and that accepting it with compassion is where healing begins.
Still Walking (Jan 11, 2026) | Pop | Inspired by the walking monks and Aloka. An uplifting indie-pop anthem about finding peace beyond labels, fear, and division. Blending heartfelt melodies with the meditative chant Arahung Buddho, it reminds us that every step taken with kindness brings us closer to home.
Quiet Enough (Jan 11, 2026) | Dream Pop/Rock | Stop shrinking to fit into other people’s comfort zones and let your stillness be your strength. Drop the heavy armor of constant explanations and finally just breathe—this is “Quiet Enough.”
Life after Life (Jan 11, 2026) | Synth Pop| Step off the endless wheel of craving and see right through the illusion of the chase. Freedom isn’t a place you run to; it’s what happens when the wanting finally stops
Diamond Shield (Jan 15, 2026) | Disco Pop| A dazzling disco anthem infused with the sacred Śūraṅgama Heart Mantra. Sweeping strings, driving grooves, and powerhouse vocals celebrate breaking free from pride, anger, and craving—finding courage, protection, and inner peace through the Dharma.
Still I Love You (Jan 20, 2026) | Ballad| Inspired by Princess Yashodhara’s love for Siddhartha. Who says we need to replace romance with hatred at a breakup?
No i (Jan 29, 2026) | Rap-Pop | A rap-pop anthem about shedding labels, questioning inherited beliefs, and finding freedom beyond the masks we wear. Driven by bold verses and the Heart Sutra mantra, it’s a fearless journey from illusion to authenticity.
Lying Flat (Jan 29, 2026) | Lo-Fi Ballad | A response to the daily grind. Instead of punishing yourselves, it is okay to take a break and lie flat.
Acchayam Khamamay (Feb 1, 2026) | Pop Ballad | A vulnerable journey through regret, self-reflection, and the hard work of making things right. Built around the Pali phrase Acchayaṁ khama may (“Forgive me my mistake”)
My Kite (Jan 29, 2026) | Contemporary Ballad | Inspired by the story of the Buddha and King Suddhodana, this heartfelt song explores how love can become attachment. Sometimes the greatest act of love is letting go—and in freeing another, we discover our own freedom.
Anicca (Feb 3, 2026) | Indie Pop | You don’t have to lament impermanence. Living life is about accepting the yellowing leaves in your stride. Just be glad that you are here today to witness the yellow of Autumn.
Khanti (Feb 3, 2026) | Alt-Pop | An unshakeable anthem of quiet defiance and mental toughness. Built on the Pali concept of Khanti—patient endurance and intentional resolve—this track is about standing your ground when everyone else expects you to fold.
Peaceful Day Rock (Feb 13, 2026) | Dark Rock | The idea of peace is serene. Yet few people realise that peace needs to be fiercely guarded. This track explores that fierce commitment to refrain from reacting.
Dhamma Saranam (Feb 14, 2026) | Indie Pop | Floating over a soft, looping chant (Dhamma saranam), this track pairs bright indie production with a deeply grounding message: you don’t need a grand plan or all the answers—sometimes you just need to slow down and give yourself a chance.
Not Alone (Feb 17, 2026) | Indie Pop | Online popularity doesn’t mean you are not alone. Addressing the loneliness faced by people today.
Pain Don’t Stay (Feb 24, 2026) | Alt-Pop | A sleek, modern track built on a fundamental truth: Anicca (impermanence). This track offers a comforting, low-pressure reminder that pain is just weather—and even the worst nights eventually bend into morning.
Nekkhamma (Feb 27, 2026) | Mono-Rap | A cold, defiant middle finger to hustle culture. Driven by a minimal industrial trap beat and a ice-cold, flat-toned delivery, “Nekkhamma” channels the Pali concept of renunciation—cutting the wire on burnout, fake ambition, and endless demand. It isn’t angry; it’s just crystal clear.
Self Mercy (Mar 13, 2026) | Pop R&B | A powerful confrontation with the inner critic. Built around a painfully relatable truth—that we are often far harsher on ourselves than we’d ever be to a friend—”Tonight I Choose Mercy” turns self-compassion into a quiet revolution.
My Sakya Lama, Stay Long
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I am just an ordinary guy in Singapore with a passion for Buddhism and I hope to share this passion with the community out there, across the world.
