Stillness is our essential nature, says Eckhart Tolle. And yet many of us who struggle with getting our mind quiet, much less completely still, might disagree, for that has not been our experience—at least up until now. Music can help us access stillness, maintains Tolle, and because he believes it can, this best-selling, self-help author has handpicked pieces of music that help us do that.
But, first, what actually is "stillness" actually according to Tolle? He describes it as: "The inner space or awareness in which the words on this page are being perceived and become thoughts. Without that awareness, there would be no perception, no thoughts, no world."
He goes on to say in an article titled, "Stillness Speaks" --"You are that awareness, disguised as a person. When you lose touch with inner stillness, you lose touch with yourself. When you lose touch with yourself, you lose yourself in the world. Your innermost sense of self, of who you are, is inseparable from stillness. This is the I Am that is deeper than name and form."
Gathering together gifted musicians, placing their music in a specific sequence that promotes stillness, Tolle (in conjunction with his publisher, Sounds True) has created a new album that invites is into what he calls “the joy of being.” Artists include Grammy-nominated Tibetan flutist Nawang Khechog, ambient composer and sound healer Alex Theory, Grand Master of the shakuhachi flute Riley Lee, and others.
Eckhart Tolle is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Power of Now (translated into 33 languages) and the highly acclaimed follow-up A New Earth, which are widely regarded as two of the most influential spiritual books of our time. Tolle’s profound yet simple teachings have already helped countless people throughout the world find inner peace and greater fulfillment in their lives. At the core of the teachings lies the transformation of consciousness, a spiritual awakening that he sees as the next step in human evolution. An essential aspect of this awakening includes transcending our ego-based state of consciousness. Visit his website: http://www.eckharttolle.com/
Kirtan is a spiritual practice performed in India’s devotional traditions. It’s thousands of years old, and, today, appeals to millions of people worldwide (of all faith traditions) who love blending musical instrumentation with singing and scriptural phrases.
Kirtan is a form of “hymn,” one sung in praise of God or a divine being. It is a way to focus the mind and concentrate (an especially effective if you find meditation difficult). It also opens the heart. Music, as we know has the power to do that, and reach beyond where words can go. Then, paired with “holy words” (mantra), kirtan can uplift us and create profound inner connection.
Not to mention that the practice is fun and builds community. To chant in a group with others is equally connective. The chant session is usually led by a leader, who calls or sings out words, and the audience repeats, so it is a practice that anyone can enjoy without previous experience or skills.
This month, in honor of our theme of “Welcoming in the Sacred,” we are pleased to feature, “Kirtan Nation,” a CD set and gathering of some of the greatest voices in chant.
Deva Premal, Wah!, Jai Uttal, Steve Gold, MC Yogi with Krishna Das, Daphne Tse and more joined together—studio and live—to sing and chant with devotional grace.
And just in case you’re wondering what is meant by the term “Kirtan Nation,” this is what the artists have to say:
“A kirtan nation has no borders, no army, and no government. It is a place where all are welcome as citizens of the universal heart, and the only coin of the realm is sacred sound ... No passport is required. All are welcome ...”
If you’d like to experience and join up with “Kirtan Nation”—and be eligible to win this 2-CD set, leave a comment here. We’ve got one to Give Away, courtesy of the publisher, Sounds True.
What is your experience of kirtan or chant? Have you ever participated in a live session? What was it like for you?
Learn more about the CD, Kirtan Nation, at Sounds True.
If you’d like to learn more about the spiritual practice of kirtan, here is an excellent article on it. Read more. http://www.kripalu.org/article/527/
Songs of Tara Devotional Music to the Goddess of Liberation
I celebrate the day when I first learned of the Sacred Feminine - a principle found in most spiritual traditions which some might describe as "the feminine face of God." Being raised in a patriarchal Western religious tradition (Protestant Christianity), my heart soared when it discovered that, indeed, divine beings, mind sets and practices, did exist that affirmed the "Feminine." My thirsty soul was quenched through an all-out exploration of "the Goddess," matriarchal religions, women mystics, poets of all traditions, sacred sites dedicated to the Feminine, and much more.
Today, one of the musical forms I most enjoy listening to is chant, especially when it incorporates or celebrates the Feminine. A new album released by Sounds True, "Songs of Tara," does just that. And it does it very well. A myriad of voices have come together in honor of and prayer to Tara, Bodhisattva of Compassion, as revered in Tibetan Buddhism. These illustrious voices include: H.H. Dalai Lama, H.E. Jamyang Sakya, Deva Premal and the Gyoto Monks, Nawang Khechog, Jetsun Ani Rinpoche, and Wah!
According to tradition, Tara is unique among divine beings in that she took a vow in a particular lifetime to always be reborn in female form so she could serve the needs of women seeking enlightenment. This was a very rare vow for, at the time (ancient Buddhist tradition), it was not a goodly turn of events to be born female. The presence of Tara changed all that.
Tara is believed to offer "speedy and practical help any time she is asked, and she is known to dispel fear ... As a fully enlightened buddha she can manifest in any form required in order to help others." She is venerated by Hindus and Buddhists, and, today, by many Westerners who respect her and appeal to her incarnations as Green Tara or White Tara. She is akin to Kwan Yin (Guan Yin, Kannon) and Mother Mary in that she hears the cries of women and children and is dedicated to their healing and protection. (Source: CD liner notes)
"Songs of Tara" is a musical adventure in chant, one which cannot help but relax one's mind and open the heart. The CD is beautifully orchestrated and crafted; the liner notes (small booklet) included with it are very informative.
Courtesy of its creator, Sounds True, we have a copy of the CD to Giveaway to one lucky commenter. Leave your thoughts here—about chant, Tara, your spiritual practice involving either—and you will be entered into a drawing for the CD.
"Om Tare Tutare Ture Soba" — "Om, I call upon you who carries us over, Swift One, Hail!"
Listen to excerpts from the CD here at Sounds True website. Enjoy!
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