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There are few artists in the music industry who are more influential or more respected than Herbie Hancock, writes Geraldine Royds

A revered pianist and composer, he has been on the cutting edge of many music scenes, as much at home with a funk band as he is working with world-class jazz artists.   Like his mentor Miles Davis, Hancock has a passion for exploration and experimentation and, after an illustrious career spanning five decades, he is still breaking boundaries.

Almost as well known for his Buddhist practice as for his musical genius, Herbie was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism by a band member more than 35 years ago.

'My viewpoint, Buddhism, includes a portion of what I learned from Miles - Miles always said work on things, explore, think outside the box. And what Buddhism teaches is no matter what happens to you, no matter what you might experience in life there is always a way to find something positive, something that can move you forward. No matter what it is. Whether it is something that is painful or tragic, or whether it is something that is lovely and exhilarating. There is always a viewpoint that you can find that can have a positive effect on your life,’ he says.

Visit Herbie Hancock’s websiteread an interview about his Buddhist practice or listen to a performance.

 

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