My novel introduces the reader to modern China and to the history and culture of this great nation. I wrote many parts of the novel while listening to Chinese songs to make me feel as if I am in China. I discovered many wonderful Chinese songs, including Chinese Buddhist songs. Three Chinese Buddhist songs are included in my novel. Wei, the mother of the heroine, prays to Guan Yin (a variation of Buddha). She sings three Chinese Buddhist songs and teaches her daugther to sing one as well. You can listen to these wonderful songs on YouTube
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf4HvM3gtAI
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVvHZpuLt0U
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dBxfV0rs3A
After listening to many Chinese songs I was wondering which is the best song. For awhile I considered the song by Teresa Teng "Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin" (The Moon Represents my Heart) to be the best Chinese song. But maybe the song "Zhen De Hau Xiang Ni" (Really Missing You) is the best. Many singers from China sing this song, but the version by American Chinese students is the most touching. Check their version on Youtube
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SioExojFsr4
