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When ancient sound healing principles and wisdom are adapted to modern times, it may not be breaking news, but it is certainly newsworthy. With that in mind, I was fascinated to read that the Vatican recently published a new document which looked at a number of current trends. Titled: Jesus Christ The Bearer of The Water of Life: A Christian reflection on the "New Age," this report doesn't give many absolute answers, but it does discuss feng shui, crystals, yoga, and the New Ager's quest for spirituality and inner peace.

As reported by the Associated Press on Feb 4, 2003, the context was the result of requests from bishops for guidance on determining whether certain practices, including yoga, meditation and healing by crystals, were compatible with Christianity.

There wasn't much said about music, but I was not surprised that it was included. You may recall that Bob Larson's best-selling book, The Truth About the New Age, included a chapter on the "dangers" of New Age meditation music. In fact, he lumped Shirley MacLaine and me in the same sentence (which I enjoyed) and, quite surprisingly, gave an accurate portrayal of the purpose of this music.

However, there was so much more that could have been included in the Vatican's document. I found it rather disingenuous to say, simply, that "Music that relaxes you is good. But if this music empties prayer and prayer turns into just listening to music and falling asleep, it's no longer prayer."

No disagreement there, but there's so much more that could be said about harnessing the uplfiting powers of music for spiritual growth ... and by the way, they might have reminded their readers that this is one of the most ancient uses of music (remember David soothing Saul with his harp?)

Thousands of years before the Vatican was established, legends tell us that the priest-craft in Atlantis and ancient Egypt used bowl-shaped quartz crystal vessels in their healing ceremonies.

Many cultures have used bowls and bells made of blends of metals, but until l987, I was not aware of any bowls made out of quartz crystal. Through channeled information from Bashar, a fellow named Abraham began manufacturing this new generation of ancient healing instruments.

A mutual friend introduced us, and I became the first person to actually record these crystal instruments as part of my CD and video, Crystal Suite.

In recent years there have been some wonderful developments and expansions in the field. In addition to the opaque white frosted bowls, there are also innovative new combinations with precious minerals and metals. I've been working with William and James of Crystal Tones, and have been recording their signature new bowls for the past seven months using state of the art 24 bit recording equipment and high end microphones.

The effect is extraordinary. The album, titled Crystal Bowl Healing, is scheduled for a mid-June release. If you listen on headphones or on your stereo, it's truly an amazing experience. I'll have samples up on my website by April 15th.

There's a very special addition to this album, that connects the current recording to the ancient times. In 1981, I was privileged to make a live recording, Inside the Great Pyramid. That album may be re-released as a very limited collector's edition.

Until then, you will get a sense of the power, magic and majesty of the transformational acoustics in the King's Chamber from the sound that results from hitting the sarcophagus with my hand. This invocation opens and closes the album. (Note: do NOT listen while driving!)

If you have a bowl of your own, you can play along, and have a virtual bowl orchestra any time you want. I think you'll find that you'll hear tones that no one is playing, as the bowls interact with each other — as well as with your energy. Consider this your invitation to go "sonic bowling."

There are also a number of books available on the subject, including those by Renee Brodie. A mainstream release by a physician reveals the therapeutic power of these bowls, especially in combination with the voice. Sounds of Healing by Mitchell Gaynor, M.D., lends credibility to this field, and is highly recommended.

For more information on the bowls, books and workshops, visit www.crystalsingingbowls.com or call 800/358-9492 for a free catalog.

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Steven Halpern is one of the world's leading composers of music for healing, wellness, and inner peace. His latest recordings include PERFECT ALIGNMENT, featuring Grammy award winner Paul McCandless, and INNER PEACE II, with Madeleine Singer. Look for them at Borders, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, your neighborhood independent retailer, or online at www.innerpeacemusic.com. For a free catalogue call 1-800-909-0707

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