Kakaku：299 saved$2.99
Quango
Usually ships in 1 to 4 weeks IPhone 3G used's review (great for yoga class) 『This cd has good flowing sounds with varying music from all over the world. Well worth the investment.』
(Fabulous for any YOGA class!) 『Whether teaching a flow yoga class or gentle, this CD is absolutely wonderful! I'm a music buff and usually create my own playlists. I took a gamble on this CD and it was well worth it! I def. rec. it! :)
- Raina www.YogaInFlorida.com』
(Outstanding) 『Truly, this is a beautiful CD, perfect for a flow class or just easy listening. My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough.』
(Yoga practice CD review) 『This CD was great. All around it flowed nice with my own practice and that with my students' practices. Some songs, just so appropriate (ie: "Remember to breathe"). It would be hear to see similar compilations by different artists.』
(Just wonderful!!) 『I am a yoga instructor and purchased this Cd with my classes in mind. This is a great CD!!I am really happy I purchased it,alot of my students have commented on it, saying they really like it. It has a real lounge like feel to it. I just LOVE the first track and all the other ones just fall into place.It varies from peacful tracks to more upbeat, giving a good flowing movement to it,wich is great for more flowing Yoga classes. It is also wonderful for lisening in the car,at home and for peacful entertaining.A great purchase!』 『Take a journey into tranquility with Yoga One; a collection of world, dub, and chillout meditative grooves, each consciously chosen to remind you to breathe and help you become one with yourself and the world around you.Selected from the Quango roster, this collection of songs has been carefully sequenced by Amy and Michael Caldwell to follow the flow of a yoga practice at their San Diego studio, Yoga One.Chillout master Cantoma, Bliss, Thievery Corporation, Christophe Goze and Bittersweet all provide a hypnotic soundtrack to today’s modern yoga experience. Get away from the stress of everyday life and elevate your consciousness to the next level with Yoga One.』
IPhone 3G used's review (Well-done, inspiring) 『I rented this through Netflix, so had no access to any additional materials that might have been included with it (eye chart, for example).
The only suggestion for improvement I would make is: have a separate workout on the DVD. While Mr. Schneider does go into how long to do each individual exercise when teaching, it would be nice to have a complete, real-time run through on the DVD.
The exercises/warm-up he has you go through before you do any of the eye exercises could also be used as a gentle, yet energizing warm up for other physical exercise--a welcome and unexpected bonus.』
(yoga for eyes and minds) 『This is a very good set of book and dvd with easy to follow instructions. You learn a lot about eyes, body and mind cooperation. It makes you to respect the best organs of your senses.THE EYES!』
(MUST HAVE) 『Sure all our muscles need excersise! And why not the eyes too! I have perfect eye sight and still I feel much better, relaxed, after I started with this program. DVD comes with a small excersise book and stuff you need for the program.』
(best by test) 『Meir's book is the most thorough I have ever seen and he is clearly the most qualified having not only recreated his own eyesight sufficiently to have no restrictions on his drivers license, and to have assisted thousands to improve or regain their eyesight. In addition, his work with Muscular Dystrophy is nearly miraculous. Check out his references in this area as you will find it hard to believe that he has made such an impact in this area for which Jerry Lewis campaigns every year and to my knowledge has never even mentioned Meir.』
(Great information, bit slow on the teaching) 『This DVD is based on the Bates' book method that says MOST simple visual blurriness due to nearsightedness or far sightedness is due to eye muscle strain/stiffness, not the cornea or optic nerve (always situations where it is). This DVD shows exercise that Meir himself came up with based on the book who he himself was born almost totally blind by age 7 who passed the DMV eye exam w/o need for glasses. I've only gone through some of it, but the simple thing as warming your hands&cupping each eye with each hand for 5 min w/o pressure on the cheek bones was great. He says most people's eye muscles are stiff from too much reading, tv&computer work¬ enough looking long distances like previous generations. I didn't even think my eyes were stiff until I cupped them. When I was done, OH MY GOD, my eyes felt SSOOO refreshed&I could see slightly better. As most people, I would think sleeping is the same thing, but he says since that is passive, it does not count as giving your eyes a chance to relax. The DVD has him teaching another man how to do the exercise which contains an eye chart&simple carboard squares to work on your peripheral vision. The only reason I took off 1 star was because the teaching is so slow&drawn out I kept getting too bored to finish it.』 『"This is yoga because this is union with the eyes," explains Meir Schneider in the introduction toYoga for Your Eyes. Born legally blind, Schneider underwent many operations as a child but was unable to see more than light and shadow; he had to do all of his schoolwork in Braille. Today he is able to drive a car without use of glasses or contacts, after improving his sight holistically. In this video, Schneider shares his techniques, using movements that originate in two main sources: the techniques of ophthalmologist William Bates and Tibetan yoga.
To begin, Schneider instructs you to remove your contacts or glasses (how he expects you to see the screen clearly enough to follow the exercises is not explained). Then he moves on to "palming," a vision-improving exercise. The instruction is thorough, including directions on how to breathe, and the movements are simple and relaxing. The second segment is "Testing Your Vision," in which you're told to make your own eye chart to graph your improvement. "Stimulating Your Peripheral Vision" is next, and it requires three pieces of black construction paper and tape to help you balance the use of both eyes together. "Outdoor Exercises" explains why older people have more vision difficulties and shows how to improve this problem. The final exercises--"Sunning," "Skying," and "Long Swing"--help you to adapt to bright lights.
Schneider is an earnest instructor, who obviously believes strongly in his methods. If you're looking for a natural way to improve your eyesight,Yoga for Your Eyesis the place to begin. Also included with the video is a 62-page study guide.--Jenny Brown』
Kakaku：251 saved$2.51
Arts-in-Celebration!
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (YOGA FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY) 『What a fun cd! My kids and I laughed through the songs and shared the yoga postures. We even have introduced the cd to our carpool and we have all been singing the yoga sandwich song!』
(Great CD for my yoga classes!) 『With over 40 songs and sound meditation moments just on the first CD of Namaste! this set gave me lots of tools and ideas to work with for teaching my yoga classes. For example, I found the song "Being Present" to be a good lead in for meditation practice with children and even with adults in my classes. I have played "Being Present" as a listening meditation to center my students at the beginning of class. It makes a great introduction to seated meditation focusing on the breath. I have also played "Being Present" at the end of yoga class as encouragement for my students to continue noticing times during the day when they are "being present" while engaged in day to day activities. Listening to "Being Present" has helped my students find easy and fun ways to focus on meditation practices. It's been an instant "hit".
』
(Fabulous Teaching Resource) 『Namaste! is an amazing education tool for children and adults to learn and practice together the beautiful art of yoga. A great resource for teachers who want to integrate songs and movement into classroom use and teach their students a fun yet physically and mentally rich practice.
There are so many original songs in this collection. In fact, there are so many tracks! Songs, guided meditations, guided postures - this is a rich resource for inspiration and teaching. Plus, the booklet is a treasure trove of information. All the lyrics are included, with suggestions for using the songs with specific poses and parent/teacher notes that give more in depth background into the yoga perspective.
For those new to yoga the parent/teacher notes are a helpful background, and can deepen your understanding of the purpose behind the yoga exercises.
For those that already practice yoga, the liner notes are helpful in seeing the yogic context that these songs and meditations are based in.
For yoga teachers and classroom teachers the liner notes provide useful tips for integrating the songs into their teaching or even creating their own songs for classroom use.
In addition to basic information on specific yogic breathing practices, including details on belly breath and 3 part breath, the parent/teacher notes also include information on: the role of affirmation songs and nada yoga, mindfulness meditation, managing stress, gratitude, guided imagery and cultivating inner peace.
I was so impressed with the collection on Namaste! that we decided to carry it in the shop in our yoga studio. It's an excellent resource for our teachers that work with children. And our yoga students find that Namaste! is a fun ways to share yoga with the children in their lives. 』
(Fun for all ages) 『This Cd is so much fun! It is joyful and full of heart and soul.
I highly reccomend it for anyone!』
(A Great Buy for Kids and Adults Alike) 『I bought "Namaste!" upon a recommendation by a friend, and boy have the CDs exceeded my expectations! We have listened to the CDs in the car during trips (we have three boys) and listen to them at home as well.
The tunes are catchy, the boys pick them up and hum them when they are doing their chores (so maybe I used this music to "focus" the boys during their chores). Many of the "ditties" are good for introducing new poses or transitioning into something new (even in every day activities). For a novice yoga family, this music collection is fun, positive, and inspiring.』 『NAMASTE! Songs, Yoga&Meditations for Young Yogis! A DOUBLE-CD SET with 15-Page Booklet CD-1: A collection of songs&meditations for Young Yogis, filled with the inspiration of yoga, movement&meditation! (42 tracks!) CD-2: A recorded Yoga session for Children&Families to practice along with. 15-page Booklet: Includes song lyrics, parent/teacher notes, some photos, and ideas on the many ways to use these CD's. Some songs were created specifically for use in Yoga and Creative Movement classes for children&families. Other songs&pieces are meant to uplift ALL AGES towards being present everyday! More than just a collection of songs to listen to, it is designed to inspire and support awakening every day to the peace, beauty, light and well-being within each one of us. The word "Namaste!" means: "The light in me, greets the light in you!" It is our dream that the light of "Namaste!" in this CD be distributed around the country and even around the world. We hope to share the simple&profound gifts of yoga&creativity with children, families, yoga teachers, educators, counselors, health professionals and others. So that our communities, and indeed, our world, may become a brighter place. ************************** More about Christopher "Kavi" Carbone: Christopher "Kavi" Carbone, (M.A.) the creator and producer of the "NAMASTE! Programs for Young Yogis!", has been working as a musician, Yoga instructor, Storyteller, and wholistic health counselor for many years, known for his heartfelt messages and original style. He has trained extensively in all aspects of yoga, and has completed advanced level Certification in his training. Christopher's special interest lies in the connection between sound, music, movement and yoga, and how the integration of these elements can enrich the lives of individuals of all ages and abiliity levels. He completed his Master's degree through New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he focused on utilizing the arts as a means of personal and group transformation. Christopher currently serves with his wife Katherine as Co-director of "Arts-in-Celebration" and "Present Moment Arts Center", providing experiences in yoga, music, movement and more for all ages. He has been called to bring his programs to schools, festivals, and community centers all over New York City and New England area, and around the country as well. Currently residing in Newport, RI, He also teaches on the faculty of Salve Regina University's Expressive Arts Institute, training professionals in the use of the arts as a transformative force in the world.』
IPhone 3G used's review (Great concept; advanced choreography) 『I am an experienced yoga practitioner. As a Catholic myself, I thoroughly enjoyed Fr. Ryan's introduction and the pairing of his vinyasas with the wonderful liturgical music of my youth (i.e. St. Louis Jesuits from 1970's). The settings for each Yoga Prayer are quite serene, if not at times austere.
However, I honestly feel that music with lyrics can be distracting when I try to practice, plus his choreography is not for beginners as it moves rather quickly.
The intrinsic value in this dvd is to allow Christians (and other people of faith) to open their minds and hearts to the notion of using their bodies to glorify God each day through both fitness and relaxation. It is a beautiful, healthful, peaceful concept that I hope more people will come to experience in some way.』
(Choreography is anointed!) 『This DVD is one of my favorite yoga workouts! It's a quick (32 minute, I think) workout that incorporates all the movements of the spine. The music is indeed "soul-stirring"! I usually do this workout in the mornings or when I want a shorter practice. It gets my body limber and ready for the day, and gets my heart in the right place, too--aware of God and His great goodness to me. I love the way Father Ryan has choreographed the poses to flow with the words and feel of the music. This meaningful and well-timed choreography makes the sequences easy to learn so that you don't have to keep eyeing the TV. (I've even bought all the songs and put a playlist on my ipod so that I can do this workout while traveling or away from the TV.) I love doing the warrior poses to the song, "The Peace Prayer," and kneeling poses to "Blest Are They,"--a song about the Beatitudes. The workout on this DVD offers a beautiful and holistic experience for a Christian practicing yoga. It also includes an excellent teaching from Father Ryan on why a Christ-centered yoga practice is a "good fit" for Christians.』
(Such a lift!) 『I still haven't done this whole DVD, because I just recently received it. But, I tell you, this is a beautiful and uplifting experience.
I love that Fr. Thomas Ryan is visible in the Catholic community, showing us that it is right and good to care for and pray with our bodies, so that we may be whole beings in communion with our Lord.
I also strongly recommend the book, Reclaiming the Body in Christian Spirituality.
I can't wait to read his other work and, hopefully, make it to a Paulist retreat! 』 『As many as half of Americas estimated 15 million yoga practitioners come from a Christian background. On Yoga Prayer: An Embodied Christian Spiritual Practice, Catholic priest and yoga instructor Thomas Ryan shows viewers that Christians can use yoga to experience their own faith more deeply and express it holistically. Ryan seamlessly harmonizes prayers like Psalm 84, the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis, and the Beatitudes with vitalizing yoga postures to create a uniquely powerful spiritual practice. If you have never experienced the physicality of prayer, Ryan promises, a fresh experience awaits you. Produced by Paulist Productions.
Kakaku：848 saved$8.48
Sounds True, Incorporated
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (So pleasantly surprised) 『My son sent this after a heart attack and I was afraid it would be too overwhelming. With a little adjustment I would not miss my 20 minutes every day with this wonderful addition to my life. It has raised my consciouness immensely. I consider Yoga Breathing and my son a true blessing. Thank you Richard Freeman with the absolutely heavenly voice.』
(the inner art of breathing and living) 『Only after listening 15 minutes something inside seemed to shift, a peacefull stilness came naturally...the instrucions are so profound...probably the best on pranayama available...after CD 1 my posture found a natural new balance. Even after 10 years of experience with Qi Gong,Tao , mindfulness meditation, yoga and Mind/Body Medicine I feel as a beginner with the depth of this CD. What I really like is the mindfulness approach: not forcing anything but rather creating space through listening: listening to the breath ( allowing it s true nature to unfold) as a first step to also listen to the sensations and feelings ( connected with patterns of thought and images in the mind)that arise...it is about giving space and freedom to what is there and yourself; exploring and allowing the essence of yourself to open... I highly recommended it...』 『Yoga Breathing: A foundation course on yoga’s most essential practice
Breathing is so basic to yoga that some instruction is offered in nearly every beginner’s class. Yet, the precise fundamentals of yogic breathwork – and its potential to take us into the depths of yoga – are seldom taught to Western students. With "Yoga Breathing," Richard Freeman responds to this need.
Yogic breathwork, also known as pranayama, literally means "to release life energy from its bounds." When practiced correctly, pranayama has the ability to attune us to the intricate web of our thoughts, physiology, and energetic patterns– to quiet the mind and heighten receptivity – and to open us to "the intrinsic radiance of being fully present."
On "Yoga Breathing," listeners learn the essential principles and techniques of this tradition, including: The fundamentals of yogic breathwork• Finding the thread of the "internal breath" • Sushumna, the body’s central energetic axis • Ujjayi breathing practice • Dristi gazing/breathing • Opening the tree of breath • Lying and seated pranayama • Breathing and postures, and more
At his acclaimed Yoga Workshop in Boulder, Colorado, Richard Freeman considers breathwork so important that he often devotes more than half of his class time to the practice. "Yoga Breathing" distills this master instructor’s rich insights and careful guidance into one complete two-session course, making them available to listeners everywhere.』
Kakaku：1999 saved$19.99
www.ItsyBitsyYoga.com
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Good stuff, but very basic.) 『I have watched this a few times now. I like it for the most part, I think it has some good ideas of ways to interact with your baby, but a lot of it you may find you already do without the intention of "doing" baby yoga. The routines are very short (like 5 minutes)... just a lot of folding arms in and out, bending knees in and out of "chair pose", laying them on their backs and talking/singing to them. Sweet, but basic stuff. I was hoping this would have some moves for mom too, but there are none. My daughter is almost 9 months, and I think I should have just invested in the book she wrote for toddlers since this stuff really is for very young babies. Over all I like it and would recommend, but I am more likely to loan it out than buy it as a gift since I don't think it offers a lot for the price.』
(not so good as I expected) 『I bought this DVD to help creating some nice play with the baby, exercise and relax for me. However, when I put on the DVD, he is rather watching the Video than engaging the exercise with me. I can't really remember the poster myself, and keep watch the video as well.
I tried a few times and decide to just play with him is much easier.』
(Helen's at it AGAIN!) 『I first bought "Play n' Flourish" and was impressed! I like "Sleep n' Grow" too but I noticed sometimes there was too much repitition in a given section. For example, in Divine Digestion of the three segments she shows for babies, two are exactly the same only under different names! I can't notice any signifcant differences in the movements, only in the title! But over all this dvd is a good work. Along with any other dvds, I seriously recommending reading her book. Her book offers jewels of information that are not in the dvd. It's almost like her book is the Bible on the valuable subject. Well, I'm looking forward to her new book "Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddlers and Preschoolers" March 2008. She definitely is a pioneer in the subject.』
(Breakthrough in getting your little one to sleep through the night!) 『I absolutely love, love, love the Sleep n' Grow Itsy Bitsy Yoga DVD. It has really helped my 10 week old baby girl. She was having trouble sleeping through the night due to gas, but a few days after we started doing the routines on a regular basis, she started sleeping all the way through the night!!!! She sleeps anywhere from 8 to 10 hours!!! Can you believe that???? She loves all of the routines but her favorite pose is "Superbaby". She smiles and laughs every time we do it. Thank you so much for making such a great DVD that helps us new moms get some extra bonding in with our wonderful babies! I recommend your DVD to anyone with kids. I look forward to getting your other DVDs very soon.』
(A Must Have for New Moms!) 『I truly value how Itsy Bitsy Yoga empowered me as a former NICU mom, to offer something meaningful and life-impacting to our baby! Both Helen's book and DVDs are phenomenal, easy to use, well done and pure joy to share with your baby. I highly recommend this for all new moms. As an Itsy Bitsy Yoga Facilitator who teaches classes, I also recommend this as an excellent tool for moms and dads to practice at home, between weekly classes. Enjoy!』 『Learn new ways to calm, bond, and play with your baby through Itsy Bitsy Yoga's Sleep n' Grow DVD with Helen Garabedian. Done in the comfort of your home, no special props are required and no previous yoga experience is needed! In just minutes a day, you can build lasting memories, encourage your baby's growth and development, foster healthy sleep patterns, and - most of all - have fun!
Sleep n' Grow Features:
oStretch n' Play Routine- have fun promoting baby's motor development
oDivine Digestion Routine- soothe tummy troubles of all kinds
oSweet Sleep Routine- a relaxing way for you to help improve your baby's sleep
oEspecially for You and Your Newborn Routine- personalize each routine for your newborn
oBonus Feature- see Helen work one-on-one with infants and active babies
IPhone 3G used's review (It's Amazing! This is the best begginers class i ever took!) 『I love this class. It is a complete class, it includes energizing exercises, breathing exercises, warming up and strengthening ex., followed by a beautiful sequence of Yoga Postures and ends with a wonderful deep relaxation. I recommend it for every begginer! Yogi Hari also has intermediate classes and advanced, they are also great! 』
(Yogi Hari is a Master Yogi) 『I have been practicing yoga for over 15 years now. I took classes all over in gyms, videos even a college class; but Nothing and nobobys style compares to Yogi Hari's Sampoorna Yoga. When I found Yogi Hari about 5 years ago, something cliqued. I dont need to take any other class.
'Sampoorna' means fullness (Sanskrit). In his series you are working the entire body. All the muscle groups are being trained, heart, massaging lymph system, stimulating digestive sys., etc. But what is even more impressive is how it trains your mind. Building concentration, focusing the mind inward,and especially learning how to properly relax.
His voice on the DVD is so captivating. And the music , from one of his CD's (Shantih), is so relaxing, yet you dont feel tired, rather Alive relaxed. I love commenting on his products bc its one area that has changed my and my family's life so much for the better. Yogi Hari's approach has taught me how to enjoy yoga, not only as a great physical exercise, but as a way of life. (Check out his book 'Sampoorna Yoga'. The cover picture of the book makes him seem so serious, but I've seen him and he is joyfully funny and down to earth.) Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. :)』
(Terrific, little-known yoga DVD) 『I have lots of yoga DVDs and had never heard of this one--I saw a reference to it on a review for another yoga DVD here on Amazon and checked it out. I was intrigued by the reviews and ordered it, and it has become one of the most-used DVDs in my collection.
A caveat--if someone has never done yoga before, I would not recommend this DVD. There really is not enough instruction for a total beginner (actually, that is true of most yoga DVDs, period). If someone wants production values a la Shiva Rea, I would not recommend this DVD. If someone wants chaptering to be able to slice and dice the practice, I wouldn't recommend this DVD. However, if someone is looking for a deliberatively-paced yoga practice, taught by a long-time yogi who really knows his stuff, with no show-biz razzmatazz and annoying New Age-isms, I highly recommend it.
It is quite a complete practice, with exercises I have not seen elsewhere (eye exercises); the music is very soothing; it is in an outdoor setting (if you've seen David Swenson's 'Short Forms' ashtanga video, it is like that--shot in a botanical garden) which I like a lot, and Yogi Hari doesn't skimp on the savasana at the end. One of my biggest complaints about most yoga DVDs is that the final relaxation is only a couple of minutes long.
The DVD is taught in voice-over, with Yogi Hari demo'ing the postures. He is incredibly strong and flexible; most inspiring!
I've been doing yoga a long time and I am long past the need to push myself to the utmost with grueling power yoga practices on a daily basis. Yogi Hari's DVD is one that I truly enjoy doing, with zero dread factor, and I feel terrific afterwards. It gets no better, for me. 』
(I rarely ever actually use the exercise dvd's I purchase -- this is the exception!) 『I have always had great difficulty exercising on my own. Typically, I would buy a video or dvd and never use it; for some reason this dvd is the exception. I watched it once to get a feel of it, then I woke up early one morning and tried it out. It was so fulfilling that I have have started reading books about yoga and practising with the DVD more often (at least four times a week). I am getting better and I love Yogi Hari. My only complaint is that the DVD is a bit long, so I really have to make the effort to do it early in the morning before my kids get up. This DVD has inspired me to try out the rest of my exercise DVD collection that has gone unopened and unused. Try Yogi Hari and be inspired!』
(Yoga -- in its Most Honest Form) 『What a great, honest yoga session. I could end up doing just THIS DVD most mornings. I have been using Yogi Hari's first four "Yoga at Home" series videos since 2000... and still consider them to be the best there is. Yogi Hari's videos ARE probably what you're looking for in a Hatha Yoga session, you just don't realize yet. I didn't at first either.
This Level 1 DVD seems to me, to be Yogi Hari's "Come full Circle" session, after doing his other four videos for seven years. This is labeled Level 1, but one could easily consider this to be as well-rounded and fulfilling a session as his more Advanced videos. It's also his most up-to-date video... and it's now the FIRST one in his older series.
Ths invocation, pranayama, asanas and closing sequence are as well balanced as any of Yogi Hari's other videos. The choice of asanas are very are accessible to almost anyone, but challenging as well.
As YOGA INTERNATIONAL magazine stated years ago, "If you're looking for the essence of yoga, look no further".
I've tried all the contemporary DVD's, classes, and styles. I came to yoga from a fitness lifestyle... and it was Yogi Hari's videos, books and conversations with him that helped me to have a better understanding of what yoga is in general. Get this with an open mind. It truly has more to offer.』 『The fruit of the experience of a living yoga master. You will have the rare privilege of being taught by Yogi Hari and feeling his beautiful presence. His peace, focus and clarity will impact your practice and take you to a deeper subtler level. The more you practice with this DVD, the more your awareness will develop and the deeper you will go.』
Kakaku：299 saved$2.99
Narada
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Absolutely beautiful) 『Fantastic CD for meditation. The music is simply beautiful, and it also helps me concentrate better when I am working.』
(Good for background) 『If you aren't a teacher who is a good "yoga DJ", this is good background music for class.』
(Satori-Music for Yoga and Meditation) 『The sound is open and spacious, highly evocative and emotionally complex. If what you'll looking for is a delicate sensitivity,the warmth of wood, without western music structure or pulse, you'll enjoy this cd.』
(Perfection) 『This is one of the deepest, most spiritual pieces of music you may ever hear. The title track, Satori, is beyond words. True Zen. It is about nothing and about everything. There is the repeated, plaintive cry of a mist-shourded horn and a deep sense of melancholic loss. The stillness resonates and builds to a feeling of resolution, light, color and the after-life. Guaranteed to transport the mind. One can only hope such a place truly exists.』
(A Rare and Wonderful Spiritual Journey) 『I must admit, when it comes to this album and it's companion, Oriental Sunrise, I am more than a bit biased. I was the producer, recording engineer and co-editor for the original recordings of both albums, released on Plumeria Productions Hawaii label, in 1983. Few people know and Riley might be reluctant to advertise that all the music was "channeled" or improvised and recorded during one five-hour live session, in Lanikai, on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. It was a truly magical experience I will never forget. Gabriel Lee and I edited the five hours and arranged it into two distinctly different albums. Oriental Sunrise contains the brighter, more accessable "day" music and Satori, the deeper, darker "night" hues. By today's or even 1983 standards, the technical quality was less than professional and I was very pleased that Riley chose to transcribe the music and re-record both albums. I was particularly pleased to see that he recorded Satori with the co-creator of the music, Gabriel Lee. Both Satori and Oriental Sunrise contain what can truly be called "inspired" music. I know. I was there.』 『The CD's liner notes definesatorias "the indescribable experience of sudden, intuitive spiritual realization." That may be, yet unless you are a serious student of yoga or a fan of its ancient musical traditions, you may struggle to reach such a state while listening to these improvisations for shakuhachi flute (Riley Lee) and koto (Gabriel Lee, no relation). The recording's mood is almost somber and contrasts noticeably withOriental SunriseandSanctuary, two splendid Riley Lee discs that offer a broader, more expressive tonal range. Here a stronger Oriental mood is conveyed, and the notion of stillness is pursued with such earnestness that the final result (to Occidental ears) is ultimately a state of inertia. While composers sometimes refer to the use of silence as an overt creative element in their works,Satorirelies so heavily on the approach that it seems as though Lee's flute is being filtered through a dense fog, and from a substantial distance.Satori, originally recorded in 1983, seems best suited to serious-minded yoga practitioners and those who prefer to adorn their meditative states with only the most minimal of audio embellishments. For such people, this disc could be the answer to prayers. For others interested in shakuhachi music, the two aforementioned discs are likely to be more satisfying choices.--Terry Wood』
