The Tired Sounds of... - Stars of the Lid
Live recordings from 'The Path':
1. The Tibetan Singing Bowl Orchestra 2. Ani Choying Drolma
Music for Zen Meditation (and other joys)
David Brazier: The Feeling Buddha
My first Buddhist book, written by my teacher. A book that changed my life in so many ways. (*****)
Pema Chodron: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
Bought on a night when I really need her common sense and honesty (*****)
Pema Chodron: The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness
(*****)
David Brazier: Zen Therapy
(*****)
Sharon Salzberg: Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience
Beautiful....uplifting (*****)
Dharmavidya (David Brazier): Who Loves Dies Well: On the Brink of Buddha's Pure Land
(*****)
Ayya Khema: Come and See for Yourself: The Buddhist Path to Happiness
(****)
Caroline Brazier: The Other Buddhism: Amida Comes West
(*****)
Jim Pym: You Don't Have to Sit on the Floor: Bringing the Insights and Tools of Buddhism into Everyday Life
A great introduction to Buddhism from the perspective of a Western Pureland practitioner (*****)
The Tired Sounds of... - Stars of the Lid
Live recordings from 'The Path':
1. The Tibetan Singing Bowl Orchestra 2. Ani Choying Drolma
Music for Zen Meditation (and other joys)
Posted at 08:08 PM in Audio, CD, Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
- Tony Scott++
This landmark album is a collaboration between the clarinetist Tony Scott and two Japanese musicians: koto player Shinichi Yuize and shakuhachi (bamboo flute) player Hozan Yamamoto. Based on the Zen concept of Beginner's Mind, a state of openness that leads to exploration, each track is a gentle improvisation with an emphasis on pauses and tranquility. Sublime. Audio clips and more reviews. Recorded in 1964 and reissued in 1997. >> £7.99 plus p&p from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com.
Posted at 08:01 PM in Audio, CD, Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
Reviewed together by Chris Dooks
UK only. I am sure it's a familiar story: being energetically challenged means you have to miss out on some great cultural events, breaking our exhausted hearts from time to time. However, limited relief for me was found recently regarding an audiovisual "happening" that was staged in the Scottish Highlands during May-June 2000. Relief comes in the form of two belatedly released CDs. …This cultural event, entitled "The Path” won awards and rave reviews. It was not very ME-friendly, basically being a two-mile "art-hike" up a hill in the middle of nowhere - in the dead of night. The project shuttled a "pack of townies" to the wild country on special buses in order for them to walk mindfully into the enhanced glen of light and sound.
A review from The Times put it like this: "As one crosses a wooden bridge to accept a Buddhist blessing... you are heading towards a summit that from a distance looks like a maypole, but is actually a makeshift temple, from which tentacles of worship flags hang. The descent is awash with candles, amplified chants and Tibetan singing bowls... with (visions of) stones that 'grow' - and pacts with local monsters.” It seemed to span Gaelic, Celtic, European and Tibetan influences and culture. What has been released from the show is Himalayan: two CDs of both Buddhist chanting and Tibetan singing bowl music. Together, they make a great double souvenir of the event; the works are also strong enough musical pieces in their own right. They both make for gently penetrating listening.
The Tibetan Singing Bowl OrchestraA live (amplified) recording, all chimes and decaying tones. Two percussion masters, based in Kathmandu but performing in the Scottish glen, gently gong, pulse and tinkle low resonating bowl tones for the best part of an hour. This is on the CD as one long continuous track. Listening to this recording, it's clear that it's no precise studio session... Heard on headphones, it reveals the distant buzz of an amplifier and it comes across as a well-preserved document of this event. But that's to its advantage… The knowledge that you are listening to a performance gives it extra charge and pregnant expectation of the next gentle ripple of notes between the gaps - or gaps between the notes. It works really well as a gentle "night chimes" release - quiet metal bubbles and trickles of sound drifting off into the dark air - an ideal piece to listen to first thing on a morning or last thing at night. Beautiful.
Ani Choying DrolmaThis CD is also entitled "Live Recordings From The Path" and is a more direct, but equally meditative release. The Tibetan nun sings alone on this piece, which is also one continuous track. This seemed at first to be slightly annoying as there are many different chants on this recording. But the intention seems to be to listen to it all in one sitting, for a dedicated period of time. The production is similar to the Tibetan Singing Bowl Orchestra's CD - a warm location-based recording, simply recorded. It seems to differ from the above release in that Ani's voice is washed slightly with what sounds like an artificial reverb or delay which I found made me feel cheated a little bit, although it does allow your brain to sink into the piece. The sleeve notes claim this reverb is natural and environmental and if it is, it is stunning - can it be true? it sounds like a cathedral! ..
There's a pivotal moment half way through on this gorgeous record, when you know what you are listening to simply occurred in one particular moment in time - a jet flies overhead and it gently soaks into the composition for almost a minute. It made me think of the view from the aircraft of the spectacle below and then from the point of view of below, to above. When I thought about this, I realised this was a kind of ‘sound of the sky’ on the recording which I felt was pertinent.
A great addition to this release would have been an English translation of the chants. Although the music is wonderful, relaxing and inspiring, and repetitive, we British folks sit soaking up music like this, often labelling it ‘spiritual’, without enquiry. But I believe that Ani is not singing a Sainsbury's shopping list here, and that it's highly likely it comes from a very authentic tradition. I just want to know what the words are...
In all, a fine couple of CDs, which are available as a special offer from the organisation that staged the event [see below]: £12 each or £20 for the pair of CDs. >> Available with a cheque (UK only) from nva organisation, 3rd floor, 128 Elderslie Street, Glasgow, G3 7AW tel: 0141 204 3304, email: [email protected].
Posted at 07:54 PM in Audio, CD, Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Stars Of The Lid are a Texan duo; their double CD The Tired Sounds of… is two hours of the most subtle drones that makes rich listening pleasure - but also is of particular interest to those of us who are medically exhausted by whatever cause. It could almost be a chronic fatigue syndrome commission. This music is like medicine. I have been playing it constantly since I discovered it in Amsterdam and it's amazingly gentle lullaby music - sourced, by the sound of it from string instruments and delicate field recordings.
The Tired sounds of… contains music that seems to grow from nothing, and if you paid listening attention at any particular point, there would be little more than a slow string loop present, but it's the sum of it's parts that effects. You notice after one of the "movements" on the CD that you've been somewhere, but it's when it's on its way out, or after the piece has played, that you feel the benefit. It's very 'centering' music this. It's emotional without being emotionally sapping.
Forget those relaxation compilations, or so-called chill out or ambient CDs. They are marketed by those who, well, forgive them Lord for they know not what they do. This avoids the clichés and it's right back to the source. >> Read more about the band, stream full-length tracks or download mp3s from the fabulous epitonic site. Also short samples of all tracks and reviews from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk.
Posted at 07:48 PM in Audio, CD, Music | Permalink | Comments (0)
Wildmind has an excellent selection of meditation CDs and mp3 downloads to purchase.
Belief Net's Meditation page has several online audio meditations. Particularly recommended: Thich Nhat Hanh's Being Peace, which has a both calming meditation and a breathing exercise.
The Meditation Society of Australia offers a free online meditation course. Each of the ten lessons has instructions and an mp3 download, which runs for around 15 minutes. In the first lesson you imagine a candle flame as the doorway to peace and breathe in a golden, peaceful energy through your heart and release tension with the out breath.
Posted at 05:08 PM in Audio | Permalink | Comments (0)
Body Scan - Breathworks: check the website for CDs and mp3 downloads. For example, a Body Scan meditation by Vidyamala whose soft and gentle voice guides your awareness through each part of the body in turn; you simply notice and accept whatever sensations are there (42 minutes) This approach, called mindfulness, can be a very powerful way of releasing pain and tension. The CD also includes a shorter version of the meditation, by Sona, so you can choose whichever you prefer
Posted at 05:00 PM in Audio | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Reaching Buddhism Page gives extensive information about how to find different Buddhist resources, as well as its own Buddhism for Beginners article.
The Reviews Page covers a range of books on meditation and Buddhism, tapes, CDs, videos and DVDs.
Navigate around this site using Pages or Categories in the left hand side-bar
Meditation instruction specifically tailored to the needs of those with chronic illness or pain are sometimes run by charity/voluntary sector organisations or NHS patient groups. In some cases, joint ventures between both sectors lead to local initiatives bringing meditation instruction to patients (see below). If you want to investigate whether such an initiative has been carried out (or is being considered) locally, try the appropriate self help groups and outpatient clinic for your health condition(s). Try to ensure someone logs your request, even if the answer is ‘no’, and state that you hope it would help you manage your health condition: in this way the growing interest in meditation is more likely to be taken into account by decision makers who develop services. Other useful sources of information include disability forums, local health centres and your local library.
Setting up a group - a case studySimon Ounsley, a former committee member of the Leeds ME self help group, told us about a successful meditation class he helped to set up for their members. “Funding can be obtained in some cases from the Local Authority or Health Trust via a Joint Community fund”, he advised, adding, “probably the best way to find out is to contact the local umbrella organisation for voluntary groups, who can usually provide information on sources of funding.” As for the teacher, Ounsley made an arrangement with the local branch of the FWBO (Friends of the Western Buddhist Order) to be the group’s instructor. Some individuals prefer this to learning how to meditate at a mainstream course or retreat, as a class can be tailored and allows the instructor to focus on specific physical or mental difficulties related to symptoms, eg posture, concentration etc. It can be embarrassing to always be the only one in a group who’s ill or can’t sit for long periods due to pain. “You feel less self conscious when everyone in the room knows what its like to have mobility problems or pain,” says one participant of such a group. At the time of the Leeds course, Simon found that their teacher had ‘no problem with people lying down to meditate if they find sitting difficult, and problems with meditation were discussed at our last session.' Simon wants to make it clear that projects such as his are rare. Doing the organising yourself requires considerable energy for form filling, locating a venue, organising publicity; added to which you may need the back up of a willing committee or fellow members some personal interest in meditation.
What about those too ill to attend?If you are too ill to attend a group, you could try an audio guided meditation -
Posted at 02:38 PM in Access and Support, Audio, Courses, Illness and Meditation, Meditation | Permalink | Comments (0)
Largest mail order supplier of books, audio material and videos on Buddhism in the UK. Unaffiliated business, stocks titles relating to all Buddhist traditions - Theravada, Tibetan, Zen/ Ch’an, Mahayana; also Tao and other schools. Catalogue includes short reviews for each title. Some print catalogues available but they advise use of the web site if possible due to stock changes. Contact: Wisdom Books, 25 Stanley Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1RW, UK. Tel: 0208 553 5020, email
Also provide the following non-affiliated Buddhist magazines:
Independent publisher of a range of CDs, Dharma talks and books from different Buddhist traditions; also Buddhist magazine Buddhism now; organize the annual Buddhist summer school and are also connected to the Golden Buddha project (see communities). Contact (subscriptions & orders): Buddhist Publishing Group, Orchard House, 9 Kerswill Road, Exeter, EX4 1NY, UK. Tel: 01392 679002. Fax: 01803 732037. To join the mailing list, send this email.
Available from bookshop: Insight Tapes (approx £5 each), based on lectures by resident and visiting teachers at Gaia House can be ordered online or write to Insight Tapes, Gaia House, West Ogwell, Newton Abbott, Devon TQ12 6EN. Brochure of their talks available on request. Gaia House, West Ogwell, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 6EN, UK. Tel: 01626 333613. Email.
Suppliers linked to specific traditions
Community of Interbeing (COI)
UK organisation that supports the practice of Mindfulness as taught by Vietnamese Zen master and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh. ‘These teachings are based on conscious breathing and being fully aware of the present moment. Through the practice of meditation in everyday life and by showing compassion to all living beings, peace becomes possible within ourselves and extends to everyone we touch.’
Founded in 1967 by Sangarakshita, an Englishman who lived in India for 20 years where he was ordained into the three main traditions of Buddhism. The Sangha has 38 centres with several thousand members in the UK plus in many other countries. Centres often run beginners and drop- in classes in meditation. Contact: London Buddhist centre, 51 Roman Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 0QN. Tel: 020 8981 0091 FWBO
Throssel Hole Abbey is a training monastery and retreat centre in the Serene Reflection meditation or Soto Zen tradition. Men and women monastics have equal status and are ordained within the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives. Bookshop offers a selection of books, taped talks by Senior monks at the Abbey and videos including Serene Reflection Meditation for beginners. Contact: Throssel Hole Buddhist Bookshop, Carrshield, nr Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 8AL, UK. Tel: 01434 345204. A catalogue of books is on the web site but for those who are unable to access web due to illness or disability, a printout will be posted - email
Theravada TraditionAmaravati is ‘a monastery in the Theravada tradition of Buddhism and a centre of teaching and practice. Its heart is a resident community of monksandnuns, whose life of meditation and work is open for visitors to share, as a living example of the Buddhist path. Amaravati Publications have many books which have been sponsored for free distribution (except postage cost). To obtain please send SAE to "Books", c/o Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. ‘The weight and minimum size of envelope for each book is given as a guide for your requests. You may send one envelope with extra stamps for requests of more than one book.’ Forest Sangha Newsletter (also available free if postage costs covered) provides list of regional centres. For retreat information send SAE to Retreat Manager.
Contact: Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, Great Gaddesden, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 3BZ.Tel: 01442 842455. See also forestSANGHA, download talks at Amaravati
Tibetan BuddhismTibetan Buddhism’s spread in the West has been inextricably linked to efforts to preserve what remains of Tibetan religion and culture since the Chinese occupation of Tibet, which destroyed many temples and monastic communities. There are five distinct lineages in Tibetan Buddhism. Beginners are advised to note that practitioners are expected to commit to one lineage.
Cygnus PO Box 15, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, SA19 6YX, UK. Tel: 01550 777701 for bargain prices for current New Age titles as well as writers on Buddhism and meditation. Those on the mailing list receive a popular free inspirational magazine with reviews, listings and articles.
The following also sell high quality remaindered material (new age, holistic, meditation, Buddhist) at low prices:
Lending Libraries
Some tips
The narrator has a soft, calming voice that gently takes you through
each meditation, stage-by-stage, and makes the whole process fairly
simple. It begins with the classic meditation on the breath (27mins),
audio sample: Mindfulness of Breathing.
Also includes a meditation to nurture Loving Kindness and a Walking
Meditation. This is Amazon's best-selling meditation CD - not
surprising considering the superb customer reviews it gets. The meditations are Buddhist in origin but no spiritual beliefs are involved. Guided Meditations for Stress Reduction is also worth a look.
>> CD from Wildmind Buddhist Meditation (also as MP3 download) and Windhorse Publications t 0141 630 4164; also from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
Audio info To give best results with dial-up modems, clips are all lo-fi quality, either in RealAudio™ format (free RealPlayer® here), or mp3.
A simple yet effective method, ideal for beginners. The session
begins by setting up a comfortable, balanced posture and relaxing the
whole body. Then, with the out breath, the emphasis is on releasing and
letting go. This sets up a state of receptivity for the in breath, so
that with it you experience each new moment as it comes. Audio sample: The Peace of Stillness. 24 minutes. Track 2 is a meditation for the heart, 22 minutes.
>> Tape or CD from Living Dharma Tapes, e-mail, t 01432 840860.
A comprehensive course teaching 'Clinically Standardized
Meditation', which was developed purely as a relaxation technique. An
instruction manual and four audio tapes guide you step by step; the
emphasis is on making meditation as easy as possible (audio sample)
with advice on adapting the technique to suit each individual; much of
the course is devoted to overcoming problems that might occur. I am not
a natural meditator and had made several previous attempts to learn,
but using this course I was finally able to establish a regular and
satisfying practice. Not cheap, but well worth it if you have problems
learning meditation.
>> From Bookplace Ltd (UK/Europe) t 01923 229933 and EFT (North America).
If you have done some meditation before you might enjoy these
practices of extended focus on the breath by the legendary Ram Dass (Vipassana audio sample). The tape also includes a short mantra meditation and a Q&A session.
>> Tape or CD from Living Dharma Tapes. E-mail, t 01432 840860.
Each of these four simple meditations uses a different element as
the focus for your attention. The first uses the breath; you are gently
guided into the meditation (audio sample),
then continue for about ten minutes with music playing and the
occasional gentle reminder to bring your attention back to the breath
if it has drifted off - then the exercise is brought to a close. All
the meditations have a similar format; one uses a mantra as the focus,
another uses the light on the inside of your closed eyelids, while a
fourth, Spiritual Sun, focuses on the more spiritual aspects of
meditation. Includes a booklet with tips and information to get you
started; e-mail support is also available. 56 minutes in total, on CD.
>> $19 inc. shipping to anywhere in the world from World Wide Online Meditation Center. 30-day money-back guarantee
These ten short stilling practices use classic meditation techniques
such as using a mantra and meditation on a candle flame; some of the
relaxations also use imagery (imagine you're a bird riding a
thermal...). A good way to try out different techniques and ideal if
you just want a short relaxation, audio sample.
>> Tapes and CDs from Diana Lampen
A good sound track for meditating on the breath. Ethereal
synthesised music is mixed with the soothing sounds of flowing water,
and the pace of breathing is set by the gentle chiming of a bell. Side
1 has five bells a minute (sample), side 2 just three bells a minute (30 minutes each side).
>>From Hypnosis Health Care (more samples); $19.99 inc. shipping worldwide.
Feeling adventurous? Try this: 'imagine yourself as a gigantic
candle, sculpted in your own likeness, with your backbone as the wick,
rising upwards into the middle of your head - and softly glowing with a
gentle flame that illumines the interior of your mind', audio sample.
You then proceed to melt. This is definitely a little weird, but I find
it deeply relaxing as all the tension just melts away (and yes, you do
get to put yourself back together at the end of the meditation). 35
minutes. Sold as Yoga Nidra, 'The Sleep of the
Yogi's' - the title of the flip side. This is a method of deep
relaxation by slowly withdrawing consciousness from the tips of your
toes through to the top of your head; 45 minutes, with sitar music.
>>From Muz Murray (cheque payment). Or to buy online it's a hefty £8.95 (CD £15.99) plus £1.40 p&p from The Inner Bookshop, t 01865 245301.
Where to browse for more tapes & CDs
Sounds True has a vast catalogue of meditation tapes & CDs, many with audio clips. Amazon.co.uk's Relaxation and Meditation category (also Amazon.com) has many meditation tapes, and The Inner Bookshop also has a good selection.
All reviews by Simon McGrath (relaxationreviews.org).
RealAudio and RealPlayer are registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc.
Posted at 01:48 PM in Audio, Illness and Meditation, Meditation | Permalink | Comments (0)