German composer–guitarist Parijat creates music with no purpose other than creating space: "The silence and space which gets created through the music...is very precious for me," he notes. With his embracing of slow, melodic structures via his nylon-string guitar, Parijat's music dissolves stress and tension as if he's merely helping you off with your coat and boots, stripping away the frenzy and striving to create a model example of the simple, humble beauty and warmth that guitar, synths, and gentle percussion can offer. As Buddha Garden progresses, the music seems to stand still and suddenly it's not the music that changes; it's the listener who relaxes more with every repeated phrase from Parijat's healing guitar. The cycling structure provides a gentle reminder of the impossibility of permanence, the inevitable turning of the seasons, the "all things must pass," which the Buddha taught. With Parijat, the sounds you hear seem part of a long, unbroken chain extending from the days of ancient philosophers straight into your heart and mind in whatever century you may be lost in. Any space you lay yourself down becomes a Buddha Garden.
The opening track, "Transience," offers a lovely, humble guitar line extended warmly over the amniotic, misty space of the inner-garden synth pads. With his delicate nylon strings, Parijat creates shivery warmth that imbues the soul with the noble tranquility reminiscent of classical guitar by Segovia but with the light touch of a folksy campfire troubadour. Tracks such as "Flowering" kick things up with a gentle conga beat, but whatever the pace, there's a steady and ever wistful feeling of serenity and gentle stillness.
"Ruparahi" takes things deeper into the exotic, with a vaguely serpentine sambora and sitar coming together in an otherworldly slow descent, down ancient steps into the anonymous tranquility of the misty garden below. The tracks get further out into the calm interior of the soul as with the achingly gentle hush of "Returning Home," with its vaguely familiar melody beautifully enfolded into the mellow, stately ambience. Whether you just like guitar instrumental albums or appreciate Parijat's gift with healing tonality, you'll find Buddha Garden a beautiful place to rest a while, and a welcome addition to your personal relaxation music temple.