Books & Listening
Talking to God
Portrait of a World At Prayer
Edited by John Gattuso | Stone Creek Publication
In a time where religious beliefs and faith can be polarizing, collections like Talking to God are more relevant and inspiring than ever. Editor John Gattuso put together this thoughtful collection of photographs and essays with the intention of demonstrating the universality of prayer among people of all spiritual traditions. The book combines the work of 45 respected photographers with reflections of faith from some of the world's most distinguished spiritual writers: Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, C. S. Lewis, Karen Armstrong, Mohandas Gandhi, Thich Nhat Hahn, Rabbi Harold Kushner and more. The writers recount the diversity of their experiences split into four sections–Every Breath a Prayer; Praise and Supplication; The Still, Silent Moment; and Reaching Out. Gattuso chose his writers carefully, selecting those who he knew would uncover the intricacies of prayer and its significance. Talking to God questions the very act of prayer. From where does the instinct arise? What is prayer's purpose? How does the act of reaching out to the divine change us? From Christian to Buddhist, Jewish to Hindu, the book speaks to both those who are devout and those who do not actively practice any particular religion.
The exquisite collection of photographs speak beyond the wise words, providing a visual landscape of devotion. Through the vibrant colors, faces and ceremonies, a unifying thread is laid bare–the desire of all faiths to communicate with a reality greater than their own. For more information or to order copies, please check www.stonecreekpublications.com or call 908/995-0016. -JD
The Visionary State
A Journey Through California's Spiritual Landscape
Erik Davis | Chronicle Books
California has long been considered a site of constant cultural eccentricity. The state has always been a source of diversity, a destination where new fads and trends begin, where new ideas and hopes for the future take shape. There's also a bit of fantasy associated with our Golden State: whether it's the idealized notion of “California Dreaming,” the ever-present celebrity culture, the crunchiness of America's Granola State, or the constant stereotypes of its inhabitants–from the flaky, image obsessed culture, to the yoga-posing health nuts. Perhaps most of all, California has been home to a fertile climate for both new and ancient spiritual movements and practices. Erik Davis, author, cultural critic and California native, sets out to trace the state's rich religious history in his latest book, The Visionary State. Through text and dazzling images from photographer Michael Rauner, this collection explores California's religions, architecture and consciousness across the state. From televangelism to UFOs, neopaganism to Zen Buddhism, one thing is clear–California's spiritual identity can't be easily pinpointed. As Davis explains in his introduction, “California consciousness, I came to see, is like the landscape of the state: an overlapping set of diverse ecosystems, hanging and sometimes quaking, on the literal edge of the West.” A beautiful book that features well known California gems and also brings many hidden treasures to light, this is a great coffee table book or a perfect gift for any California lover. For more information, please go to www.chroniclebooks.com, 800/722-6657 or visit www.visionarystate.com. -JD
Ahir
Prem Joshua | White Swan Records
When Prem Joshua first saw Ravi Shankar perform live at the age of 18, his life was forever changed. He spent the next 20 years in Shankar's native India, learning the traditions of the country's music and mastering the sitar. Since then, Joshua has developed his own progressive sound, blending the Eastern styles and instruments that first awakened his musical passion with forms of Western jazz. On his latest release, Ahir, Joshua brings listeners more of his entrancing Indian flutes and sax, and his tarana-style (wordless) vocals. Already a star in the Indian music scene, Ahir is Joshua's fourteenth album release, and his seventh in the U.S. The album is a co-production with Chintan Relenberg. Relenberg, a composer, loop-master, percussionist, and keyboard and bass player, is a longtime musical partner of Joshua's. Although they have been touring the world, playing together for some 10 years, this is their first album released together. And it's about time because they are truly a dynamic musical pair. From the pulsing intro of the opening song “Namaskar” to the peaceful melody and soothing vocals of the title track, the album will not disappoint Joshua's fans. Part electronica, part downtempo, part traditional raga, Ahir is at once relaxing and uplifting. For this and other Prem Joshua albums, go to www.whiteswanrecords.com, or www.premjoshua.com. -JD