In 'The World Is Sound: Nada Brahma', Joachim-Ernst Berendt takes readers on a captivating journey into the profound connection between sound and existence. He argues that sound is not just an auditory experience, but a fundamental element of the universe, shaping our realities and inner lives. Exploring diverse cultural perspectives and ancient philosophies, Berendt unveils the idea that everything is vibration—a concept that challenges our understanding of life. With enchanting anecdotes and reflections, he invites us to listen more deeply and appreciate the symphony of the world around us. Prepare to be transformed as you discover the hidden harmonies that resonate within you and the cosmos.
By Joachim-Ernst Berendt
Published: 1991
""In the beginning was the sound, and sound is the essence of all creation; for through sound, we connect with the universe and uncover the music within ourselves.""
Scientists have only recently learned that the particles of an oxygen atom vibrate in a major key and that blades of grass ‘sing.” Europe’s foremost jazz producer takes the reader on an exhilarating journey through Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America, exploring the musical traditions of diverse cultures and reaffirming what the ancients have always known--the world is sound, rhythm, and vibration. Berendt’s book is alive with his experiences--living in Bali, studying at a Zen monastery in Kyoto, and encountering budding jazz stars in Indonesia, Japan, Europe, and the United States. Drawing from his friendships with composers and performers as well as his knowledge of new physics and Tantra, cybernetics, Sufism, and the works of Hermann Hesse, he reveals the importance of sound in shaping cultural and spiritual life worldwide. A tribute to the work of many of the greatest figures of our age--including Hans Kayser, Jean Gebser, Sufi Hazrat lnayat Khan, musicians John Coltrane and Ravi Shankar--Berendt’s book suggests that hearing, rather than seeing, is the key to a more spiritual experience of consciousness. His discussion of sound in relation to mathematics, logic, sacred geometry, myth, and sexuality is practical as well as theoretical, offering readers a variety of techniques for developing the ear as an organ of spiritual perception.
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“"In the beginning was the sound, and sound is the essence of all creation; for through sound, we connect with the universe and uncover the music within ourselves."”
The World Is Sound
By Joachim-Ernst Berendt
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Joachim-Ernst Berendt (1922-2000) was a distinguished German author, musicologist, and jazz advocate best known for his influential works on jazz and improvisational music. Among his notable publications are "The Jazz Book" (1956), which provided a comprehensive overview of jazz history, and "Nada Brahma: The World Is Sound" (1991), where he explores the spiritual dimensions of sound and music. Berendt's writing style is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, combining deep musical insight with philosophical reflections, making his works both informative and thought-provoking. His contributions have significantly shaped the conversation around jazz and its cultural implications.
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