…either intentionally or unintentionally.
I nominate Lauryn Hill’s “Everything is Everything” as the best example of such a song. (Interesting tidbit: John Legend’s playing the piano part in this song.)
First one I could think of: “Instant Karma!”
Several of George’s Beatles songs would fit, though he was more into Hinduism and Hare Krishna.
Leonard Cohen is a certified Buddhist monk - while I don’t know if any songs of his are explicitly about Buddhism, many of them hint at it.
Some more Beatles songs, too - almost certainly unintentional, but “I’m Only Sleeping”, “Let it Be” and “Fixing a Hole” come to mind. Also, the bit of “You Never Give Me Your Money” that talks about being freed from all obligations could fit.
Ooh, add in Modest Mouse’s “Float On”.
Bodhisattva - Steely Dan
Kansas Dust in the Wind
What I am is what I am - are you what you are, or what?
– Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
(Throw me in the shallow water, before I get too deep)
Tomorrow Never Knows
Rain
Strawberry Fields forever
Sorry I don’t think Instant Karma is one. Think about the lyrics.
Probably not a very accurate depiction of Buddhist philosophy, but “Galileo” by the Indigo Girls is about reincarnation.
I make no claims for its accuracy, but it does evoke Buddhist philosophy. (And it’s closer to genuine Buddhism than, say, “Karma Chameleon.”)
The Beastie Boys’ “Bodhisattva Vow,” though, both namechecks Buddhism and is a genuine expression of Buddhist faith.
Donovan There is a Mountain
Instant Karma is a rock star lecturing someone that we all shine on and reacting to someone he is angry at and taking satisfaction that the person will get his. It isn’t really buddhist as an idea.
Within You Without You, and Inner Light are good ones IMO.
Not sure how we define “popular”, but Bauhaus’ Kick In The Eye mentions “Searching For Satori” and the title itself is a metaphor for that sudden awakening.
True Happiness This Way Lies– The The
Van Morrison’s Cleaning Windows. He gives out a call to an early zen author
I believe Do it Again is also.
Which reminds me of “Kundalini Express” by Love & Rockets (who were 75% of Bauhaus)
I think it’s kind of interesting to find old songs (i.e., predating the Beat/hippie focus on Eastern philosophy) that fit this category to some degree. Like “I’ve Got Plenty of Nothing” (1934) or “The Best Things in Life Are Free” (1927).
Kundalini is Hindu, not Buddhist, or I would have mentioned it.