Renée Sunbird (Austria / India)

Renée Sunbird is a Vienna-trained singer-songwriter, yogini, and Emmy-winning composer whose music bridges contemplative practice and global sound. After studying Sanskrit and philosophy at the University of Vienna, she deepened her yoga practice in India, where mantra and bhajan singing became central to her artistic path. Accompanying herself on ukulele, autoharp, or sansula, a thumb piano with a resonant, bell-like tone, she creates meditative songs that invite stillness and reflection. Her work moves between crafted songwriting and sacred chant, shaped by years of immersion in Sanskrit tradition. Recently awarded a Suncoast Emmy for best musical composition for the documentary Descent into the Blue, Renée approaches music as both offering and spiritual practice.

Featured Song:

“Namo Amitābha” (Homage to Amitābha) sets a traditional Sanskrit dhāraṇī, a devotional chant used for meditation and concentration, to an original melody. The text honors Amitābha, the Buddha of infinite light, wisdom, and compassion, and invokes awakening and inner radiance. “Homage to Amitābha / To the awakened one of infinite light / May the nectar of immortality arise / May realization be fulfilled.” As the mantra continues, “May we move through vast space / May praise resound / May this offering be received,” its repetition becomes meditation, guiding the listener toward clarity, compassion, and recognition of the luminous nature within.

Artist Website

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