What's Going On?

Whether you agree or disagree with the objectives of the Iraq war, it's stunning to think how many people in this country have now lived through two wars with a similar path - leading large segments of the population to ask the question Justin Guarini asks in his contemporary version of the Marvin Gaye classic, "What's Going On?" Performed live in Flint Michigan on July 21, 2007.

Justin Guarini at the Heart Expo in Japan on 07-07-07

American Idol Runner-Up to perform a hymn for which he composed the music.

Justin is performing on the symbolic date of 07-07-07 at the Heart Expo, a charitable benefit taking place in Ishikawa, Japan.

The event is sponsored by Global Harmony, an organization founded by a Buddist monk known as Cealo. HH Cealo is a believer in "direct action," which means he doesn't just talk about the needs of the underprivileged or get his picture taken while visiting them as an "ambassador," he goes to the poor areas of the world and does whatever he can do to help as many as he can. This excerpt from his website explains in more detail:

His Holiness Gayuna Cealo is a Buddhist monk best known as an advocate for children and women in Burma and Cambodia, bringing much-needed support in the way of rice, vegetables, blankets, medical supplies, books, pencils, toys, clothes and most importantly, education for a self-reliant society. His hands-on, heartfelt approach has moved people from all walks of life to get involved in creating an infrastructure for change in poorer countries, including the President and Royal Family of Cambodia. The Prince and Princess were so moved by Cealo’s direct action and kindness that they have agreed to work with him to develop a new city for the future. They had originally heard of the monk giving hundreds of meals to street children, though this is an illegal act in Cambodia. (Permission from the government is needed before giving food to street children there.) Rather than fining him or putting him in jail, they asked to consult with him on what to do about the homeless problem. Such direct and positive action from a single individual to affect change made them realize this was a man worthy of listening to and learning from. “Giving food or money is not the only answerE he insisted. “If one truly wants to heal the sick and needy, one must give hope and a sense of purpose. This is true of all people, not just the poor. Access to higher education or vocational training is critical.

When Cealo met Justin, he declared that Justin was "pure of heart" and asked him to compose the music for one of Cealo's hymns, entitled "Hymn to Oneself #14." With the assistance of jazz pianist and producer Greg Gordon Smith, Justin recorded a moving version of this hymn. You can listen to it on youtube, accompanied by wonderful imagery.



The Hymn is also available for sale at the Global Harmony website shop, with proceeds benefiting the organizations' peace and child welfare efforts.