Long-time sangha member Bill Douglas started the Naropa music program in 1977 where celebrated thirty years of teaching. Bill has toured extensively as a a bassoonist, pianist, and composer, and his compositions have been performed by major orchestras and chamber groups around the world. For more information, please visit www.billdouglas.cc.
I Shall Not Live in Vain – a musical offering from Bill Douglas. Regarding this piece, Bill wrote:
“In tribute to my teacher, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, here is a song entitled “I Shall Not Live In Vain” from my CD Songs of Earth and Sky. The words are a beautiful expression of compassion by Emily Dickinson (first verse) and William Blake (second verse).”
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
Love seeketh not itself to please,
Nor for itself has any care,
But for another gives its ease,
And builds a Heaven in Hell’s despair.
