The World Is Sound: Nada Brahma: Music and the Landscape of Consciousness [Paperback]

Joachim-Ernst Berendt (Author), Helmut Bredigkeit (Translator), Fritjof Capra (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1991

One of Europe's foremost jazz producers takes us through a world of musical traditions and explores the effects of sound on consciousness. 

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

From the Back Cover

Music / Philosophy

The World Is Sound - Nada Brahma

“ Berendt’s groundbreaking work is a fascinating exploration of the importance of music, sound, and vibration for spiritual development . . . a valuable sourcebook for every serious student of consciousness.”
--Stanisav Grot, M.D., author of Beyond Death: The Gates of Consciousness

“ In a majestic sweep (Berendt) takes the reader through the macro- and microcosm, from the “harmony of the spheres” to the songs of dolphins and whales . . . ”
--From the foreword by Fritjof Capra, author of The Tao of Physics and The Turning Point

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.

Born in Berlin in 1922, Joachim-Ernst Berendt is author of more than twenty books, among them the highly acclaimed and widely translated reference work, The Jazz Book. He helped found the Sudwestfunk, one of Germany’s most popular radio stations, and has produced numerous concerts, radio programs, and records. He has also directed many international festivals and received various awards, including the Cultural Award of Poland, In The World is Sound, Berendt guides us through the uncharted regions of the unconscious to a vision of harmony.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Destiny Books (May 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892813180
• ISBN-13: 978-0892813186
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #446,376 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nada Brahma, December 26, 2005

By 

James Pearson "James" (London) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The World Is Sound: Nada Brahma: Music and the Landscape of Consciousness (Paperback)

I read this book a little while ago and it completely transformed the way I perceive the world around me. This book showed me the power that sound has. While the book is primarily concerned with the mysticism of sound, he also relates the world around us to sound, and shows us how reliable and accurate our ears are when compared to our eyes.
Joachim-Ernst Berendt also gives listening tests in some of the chapters to give the reader an opportunity to develop their sense of hearing, which he says is being underused in our predominantly visual western culture.

I am a private detective and ever since reading this book, I have always tried to use sound equipment and techniques on my investigations. Since reading this book I have completely re-evaluated and structured the approach and conduct of my work for the better. Can't recommend it enough.
James Pearson.

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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sound principles expand horizons, September 11, 2007

By 

Jane Pahr (Trieste, TS Italy) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The World Is Sound: Nada Brahma: Music and the Landscape of Consciousness (Paperback)

Joachim-Ernst Berendt has a great gift for synthesizing informaion. This book is a must read for anyone interested in harmony and understanding our place in the universe as part of the great expression of spirit. It will also appeal to those who prefer more practical information as to how sound and music has transcended and unified while informing those who play as well as the listener. I just love this book! I'm a yoga teacher and a singer and this book really touched me on all levels.

20 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, February 21, 2008

By 

Rosatto (Spain) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The World Is Sound: Nada Brahma: Music and the Landscape of Consciousness (Paperback)

I'm rating this book with just one star because the other reviews are too good, otherwise I may give it "two stars" but no more.
I bought this book because of the positive reviews and I was sorely disappointed. I was expecting a book about the metaphysics of sound. What I got was the superficial text of a rambling enthusiast. The variety of topics covered is interesting and the style is engaging... during the first couple of chapters. After that, Berendt needs a good editor. For example, several times we find quotations of the type (not verbatim): "Some author says that the molecules of hydrogen resonate with a major third interval: <<The molecules of hydrogen resonate with a major third interval>>" This kind of quotation adds nothing and explains less. I am still wondering what kind of analogy is it they were talking about. Besides, the second part of the book consists of a few miscellaneous articles on Zen, jazz, etc., unrelated to what should be the main topic of the book.
On the good side, it showed me some threads to follow... but nothing that can't be found elsewhere, I'm afraid.