Dear Friends,

I’m so proud to finally announce Yotam’s and my new album The Other Shore – Sounds of the Heart Sutra!

Recited daily in Mahayana temples throughout the world, The Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra or The Sutra of the Heart of Transcendent Knowledge is one of the most well known Buddhist teachings and is said to be the view that leads to complete liberation.

Our personal and creative interpretation of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s exquisite translation, has been in the making for many months. It is intended as a practice support that can be listened to in several ways to begin to unveil its infinite layers. Spoiler alert: this may take some time since understanding the true meaning of this text equals full awakening. Full disclosure – I have been reciting The Heart Sutra for years and it is still a big enigma to me! But, as my relationship to it deepens, I notice it gradually becoming part of my mind and something slowly shifting within.

More than 20 years ago when I was visiting Miami, I ended up practicing with a Mysore community gathering early mornings in an artist loft at the top of an apartment building. I still remember one morning when the teacher put on a recorded recitation of the Bhagavad Gita during our practice.e.

“This non-cognitive way of allowing the sacred text to gently seep through my system while moving through my Asana practice made a deep impression on me as a young spiritual seeker.”

I have since carried this spark of an idea in my heart until sharing it with Yotam last summer. What evolved is something beyond my most expansive expectations. The magical alchemy of our work together is always bewildering and completely mysterious to me.

As I was taught, the meaning of this profound text can be transmitted in three distinct ways: through the literal meaning of the words, the sound or vibration of the words, and the atmosphere that is revealed when they are spoken aloud.

“In Buddhist teachings, these layers are referred to as the Outer, Inner, and Secret levels.”

To grasp what is meant by this, I invite you to listen to our album three times: first, paying attention to the words; second, focusing on the sound and tone of the words; and finally, noticing how the energy or feeling in your environment transforms.

I’m offering you these reflections (related to what we studied in our retreat in Spain this summer) - because they mirror how we engage with the dharma and yogic wisdom altogether. At the outer level, we hear or read the teachings. At the inner level, something within us awakens insight. And at the secret level, quietly, our entire world begins to transform…

You find our album The Other Shore – Sounds of the Heart Sutra on all platforms where you listen to music - I would love to hear what you experience!

With Love and Blessings

/ kia, Paris October 2024 x