The Universal Room

Announcing the Launch of the New Website

2011-01-21T10:54:00.001-08:00

We are very happy to announce the launch of www.universalroom.com. The response has been incredibly positive, and we hope it is a central source for expanding the creation of Universal Rooms everywhere.

How to Apply the Experience

2011-01-20T07:57:00.000-08:00

Is this just a music experience? It is certainly the main component, but its the applications of the Universal Room that I find just as exciting. We can see everywhere in life around us, the growing attraction of tribalism, or balkanization. Individuals are grouping into cliques of religion, sports, politics, even the kind of cell phone you use. Politics is at a fever pitch, and the sense of a broader American community seems to be disintegrating. A lot of people talk about a global community, but really, the love ain't being felt on a global scale. Its becoming more separate by the moment.

I would like to start locally. Setting up Universal Rooms in the Y, or religious center. For the adventuresome spirit, setting it up in a town hall, right before a meeting. Communicate with music, as a model for communicating in your native language about topics of disagreement. I find the most heated discussions are based on one side not being 'heard' It is incredibly frustrating to speak and make a point, only to realize that the response was pre planned, and didn't consider what was just stated. And, that is a result of our lacking in the skill of real listening. Real listening is easy with music. Its a statement, but melodically, not politically or religiously. One can hear and respond.

Can we apply that to our daily lives? I believe so.

Setting up a Universal Room

2011-01-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

I just started a new YouTube site, and will begin recording soon. This new project is part of the educational initiative to explain how to set up a Universal Room anywhere. Frankly, its quite easy, simple, and fun.

There is only a minimum of 2 people. I find that 4 people is the real minimum to be creative and experience the full group communication. A facilitator reviews melody, call, response, and conclusion. You can start in smaller pairs, and then move into the larger group. When the group leader drops his/her hand, then all communication is in music until the end of the session. One person should be assigned the drum leader. This person will keep the group out of time, until that very particular moment, when the beat is about to establish itself, the drum leader will go into time. It is just an intuition. That time when the music and communication lock in together.

Then, the communication moves into song, but never into performance or repetition. It always communication, not trance, or repeating patterns, but new, and fresh ideas being exchanged.

It is exciting to start the video presentations, as I feel they will be more accurate in conveying this information. Coming soon.....

A giant leap for Universal Language

2011-01-14T11:01:00.000-08:00

A friend sent me this link yesterday. Incredible. This developer has made a great breakthrough for Universal Language. It is so simple, global, and powerful.

Very exciting news, you can view the video here.

Jose Faur's revolutionary work on Hebrew Mysticism

2010-12-13T11:25:00.000-08:00

From my own background in Judaism, and Torah studies, the new interest in Jazz and Kabbalah is very exciting.

I wanted to link the book that really started it all for me, that is Jose Faur's "Homo Mysticus" A short blog summary simply would not do this masterpiece any justice. It must be read front to cover, no short cuts.

All of Faur's books are profound and enlightening. This is the one that kicked it off for me, take a look here.

Rabbi Adam Jacob's great post on Jazz and Kabbalah

2010-12-12T10:50:00.001-08:00

A friend sent me a fascinating article from Rabbi Adam Jacobs at Aish HaTorah. This post is entitled "Kabbalah and Jazz: The Mystical Foundation of Improvisational Music" I really enjoyed his discussion of individuality, music as the building block of the universe, and the connection to the Jewish mystical tradition. You can view it here.

Ike Sturm's Jazz Mass

2010-11-30T07:59:00.000-08:00

Just caught up with bassist Ike Sturm. He leads a very unique Jazz project at St. Peter's Church in Manhattan. Take a look here

I met Ike several times in the city. He is a very creative, sincere musician and I am so happy to see that he has a CD release entitled - Jazz Mass.

Here is a brief summary of his latest project.

"Composed and arranged by Ike Sturm, this work for voices, strings and jazz ensemble merges diverse musical languages into a powerfully unified aesthetic. Soaring melodies, dynamic rhythms and improvisations creatively portray the sacred text.

Soloists include Misty Ann Sturm, Loren Stillman, Ingrid Jensen, Ryan Ferreira, Adam Benjamin, Ike Sturm, Ted Poor and Grammy-nominated soloist Donny McCaslin.

The band will be traveling internationally to schools and churches, working with local choirs and orchestras and exploring the idea of community in music, culture and faith."

Adam Bernstein's Jazz and Meditation Program in Brooklyn

2010-11-20T20:30:00.000-08:00

A friend sent me this link, I am so excited to see another jazz and meditation program. This seems to be based in the Buddhist tradition. Check it out here.

Major Success with Kenny Werner and Dr. Harsimran Singh

2010-10-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

Great show on Oct 3rd with the Kenny Werner Quartet and Dr. Harsimran Singh. Dr. Singh opened the show with a short talk on positive thinking and success. He also lead a session in meditation that truly uplifted everyone, and set the tone and spirituality for the music of Kenny.

Kenny took the stage and picked up right where Dr. Singh left off. It was a beautiful event, and the energy was incredibly positive. We are looking to grow and expand this concept. A great start!

Universal Language Projects are Starting up and Growing

2010-09-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

I just came across this fascinating project of several people I know in NYC. This is a dream come true for me. To see new religious programs based on jazz and improvisational music is incredible. You can check it out here.

I hope more and more programs like this grow in all variety of religious communities, encouraging people to get directly involved with the Universal Language!

The New Show is On. Kenny Werner Quartet with Benjamin Koppel and special Guest Dr. Harsimran Singh

2010-09-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

Thank G-d, it has all come together. I have been working on the project for over a year.

The Bridge Institute presents the Kenny Werner Quartet featuring Benjamin Koppel, saxophones, + Special Guest Dr. Harsimran Singh on Music and Meditation. Sunday Oct. 3rd and Oct. 10th!! Park Slope, Brooklyn, NYC. Puppets Jazz Bar.

Check us out at The Bridge Institute, Divine Power, Kenny Werner, and Puppet's Jazz Bar.

More details to come!

The distortion of language

2010-08-24T19:00:00.001-07:00

Manipulation of language leads to the distortion of facts, leads to the oppression of millions by one dictator, who crushes the people, and blames the 'other'

Now, more than ever, we need freedom from human language.

New Website on the Way

2010-08-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for several months for a web developer to design the new site. We are now on the move to set up the new site, and have this blog as just one of the many features. Stay tuned....

New articles on the power of language to shape the human mind

2010-07-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

I just came across this article from a friend's posting on Facebook.

This is yet another great example on how we are discovering the power of language, not only as tool of expression, but one that shapes our worldview. What is everyone's 2nd language, enhanced a 2nd universal soul?

Click here for the article.

A whole new collection of videos going up

2010-07-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

I just updated my Mac, my software, and have started editing a lot of video from the past 2 years. Check out the Youtube Page for the 2 latest videos from the Bahai Center of NYC and a synagogue in Chicago.

the unique voice/self teaching/the complete individual

2010-07-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

What is the basic principle of art?   What makes one artist world famous, and beloved by people of all ages?

Its an idea that fascinates me, because so many people want to be recognized, want to be famous, and even more so in our technological/YouTube age.     For all the people clamoring for this attention and recognition, so few, maybe 1% of 1% make it.   What do the rest of these struggling artists do?

How would a society establish a forum for listening to the individual's unique and giving recognition?   Can you imagine a Universal Room in practice for over 20 years?   With the community children being raised at the Universal Room, where improvisation is a 2nd language, a fluent method of expression, to express the full human, the full uniqueness, and to be heard in a community setting?   Not only as an everyday person without the lights, cameras, and actions, but also as one who listens as deeply as they express themselves.

This would really signal the end to 'fame', and the beginning of the radical age of individualism.

The 1st Article on the Universal Room

2010-05-11T14:42:00.001-07:00

I found this article from 2006 on the Universal Room and Intunation Studios. It is amazing to me, reading and seeing the evolution of the concept.

You can view it here.

Follow us on Twitter

2010-05-06T08:12:00.001-07:00

http://twitter.com/universalroom

Online - Facebook Causes Page

2010-05-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to post that The Bridge Institute is online here --- at Facebook Causes -- our non profit is linked and will be accepting support through the web.

the Project grows...

2010-02-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

good news is coming around the corner. I have been asked to submit an article on the UR for a new Jewish website, and a Rabbinic friend asked me if I might be interested in speaking at his shul. We shall see how this goes,

i have met a lot of new people, and cast a wider web of colleagues and friends. its certainly in the air, in the political arena and religious arena. People want a way to talk without describing any actual subject that might be a block to full communication. Improvisational music is freedom. Monk taught us that. Its a freedom to be yourself, to not invoke resistance to you, and to take a step out of conventional language, to utilize a language that only He wrote, but that we may add to.

just the smiles i see from discussing the concept bring me new strength and enthusiasm to continue this journey. I feel that I have seen the future, i have seen a world where people understand human language is a tool, not a involuntary definition. and that is beautiful.

The Goal

2009-05-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

How does it all work? What are the practical applications of Universal Language in everyday life. I envision a society that understands the priority of universal/artificial language. On any given morning, people going to work will first drop by a designated Universal Room. There, they can communicate through music for about 30 minutes. Clear the mind, interact with fellow citizens, strengthen the bonds of cooperation, and clarify the true goal of work. We work to improve our lives, provide services, and receive compensation for our efforts and talents.

Within every session, I believe everyone can feel the deep silence experienced through freedom from language. There is a peaceful, quiet place in the mind, that is free from our artificial system. We still need our system, but it does not need to overwhelm that quiet space.

replace your language

2009-05-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

Why do we need human language? I think we all understand the basic function of language to communicate concrete ideas to people. We need to buy food, ask for directions, coordinate meetings, and so forth. Yet, I believe that we have lost touch with the idea that language is only a tool. Its not inherent to who we are, and the tool has been using us for centuries now.

Perhaps, the snake in the Garden of Eden, represents language, which corrupted humankinds mind, and led directly to the Tower of Babel. Human language, when its transform from a tool, to an inherent worldview, blocks the voice of G-d, and fosters social havoc.

The art of listening in a Democracy

2009-05-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

America. In my opinion, one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of humankind. Democracy, freedom, progress, religion, secularism, and the individual came together in one country. There have been many shining moments and many dark moments. Yet, which country has looked back on its past, and went full steam ahead with correcting its immoral policies, while strengthening its just foundations?

However, now we face an even stronger challenge. The melting pot model has long been discarded. People want a new synthesis of holding on to tradition and being an American. With so many media experts explaining the "truth" as they see it, our country is becoming more and more polarized. People are grouping into like-minded communities, and cutting back on the opportunities to meet different people with different ideas.

We have forgotten the art of listening. It is very hard to develop skills in dialog, when the goal is being "right"

Universal Language gives every person to share ideas on such an abstract medium, that there is no block at all. Its a model for the practice of listening to ideas. Create a musical statement, respond, listen for the next statement. Take that idea, develop it and send it back. There is nothing to be "right" about, or to argue on. There is no label that can arise from this type of interaction. Freedom from language in dialog, can enhance actually debates on real policies. Each participant will come away from an actual debate with the experience that their opinion was fully heard and respected.

Meditation of the Democracy - Quiet Mind - Dynamic Interaction

2009-05-05T13:46:00.001-07:00

One of the central themes in meditation systems is the Quiet Mind. A practitioner sets aside time everyday to slow thoughts down, and eventually clear the mind totally of everyday thinking. Inside this quiet mind is peace, or the voice of G-d, or merging into Nirvana. Either way, the goal is found through clearing the mind of the stream of thoughts that race through it all the time.

I have always been fascinated with this principle. However, I saw that most systems promoted a radical loss of self, or destruction of the "ego" I never saw the benefit in this goal, as the Self is who we are, there is no way around it.

As I have grown in Universal Language, I found another benefit is the ability to quiet the mind, maintain Self, and interact with a fellow human being.

This is achieved by simply replacing artificial, human language, with your interpretation of Universal Language. Each person is very much like a prism. The universal language will go through you in a very specific way. Its up to all of us to work on the paths that this language will take. That discipline belongs to the unique individual, it really can't be taught, or copied, or learned in a school. That is what makes is so powerful, and useful for gaining mastery over your own mind.

Yet, what is the connection to Democracy? .........

Active Quiet Mind

2009-04-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

So, what is the point to Universal Language? It sounds expansive and all-inclusive, but what is the goal? All of our lives, our native tongue is kicking around in our head. Everywhere we go, we are thinking in our language? Why? Who said we had to think like this?

I am not sure why some people find this condition to be perfectly acceptable, and others want to find liberation. Is is the difference between people and artists? I am not sure. In my case, I started seeking a spiritual/intellectual path at 13 years old. Throughout my journey, I never really found a system that satisfied my searching mind. I also never found peace of mind.

Universal Language answered both struggles, with Active Quiet Mind at the center of these findings.

Freedom from Language

2009-04-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

This is a theme that I will always come back to. Human language is artificial. It is absolutely necessary for a functioning society, however, it really is arbitrary. I have read books on the patterns of language that linguists have discovered. However, essentially, its a matter of chance, on which language you will speak and think in for your entire life.

I personally found that language impeded my own search for individuality, the clearest thinking, a quiet mind, and overall happiness originating in the experience of personal freedom. Basically, who says I need to think in the system called English all of the time?

Many mystical/spiritual paths talk about quieting the mind. In our pop culture today, we usually associate such principles with Buddhism, but the idea itself is found in a wide variety of systems. Some teachers advise meditating on the "void", or focusing on the breath, or chanting a phrase. In my own tradition of Judaism, I believe that the great rabbi/philosopher Moses Maimonides based his system on science. He felt that a person could quiet their mind through the study of science and physics. This is my own take. When I read Maimonides, I sense that he transcended his own language background through the language of science. It sounds incredible, but how many people can do that?

Through my own studies, I saw the parallel between the science of music and physics. Music, esp. improvisational music, is both a language and a science. The most incredible aspect is the ability for the musician to create his/her own personal language. This personal language can then replace the background language. This is where the true freedom begins, and the mind quiets down.

However, what is the goal of the quiet mind? The answer is essential to true freedom.

Notebooks

2009-04-24T16:29:00.001-07:00

In my apartment in NYC, there is one bookshelf and one wall-shelf. In my wall-shelf are all of my Torah books, from halacha, to philosophy, to Torah commentary. On my bookshelf are my 16 personal notebooks. In these notebooks, I have tracked and analyzed my progress along my own unique path. The number of people I have shared these notebooks with is - Zero. That will always be the case, because my path is brand new, never seen before, and is only applicable to me. I found that most of my spiritual pitfalls in life came from following another person's path. Many spiritual and philosophical books have been written and followed by millions of people. However, I came to the conclusion that those books were written for one person. The author.

It was important for me to reinvent the wheel. To start from square one, and look at all of the primary sources of life through my own eyes.

So, then what can I share with the world? This simple lesson. The meaning of life is freedom from language. Begin.

New Room at the Sikh Temple

2009-04-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

A group of us went out to Glen Cove, LI yesterday. Matt, William, Marino, Taylor and Ayala came for the Sikh celebrations and the Universal Room.

We sang in the services, and ate with the congregation in the vegetarian free kitchen. Sikhism is a beautiful religion. I think it is the closest in outlook to my own tradition of Judaism. A Sikh man sat with me and explained the path of Sikh meditation.

It is my prayer and wish that the message of Sikhism's founder, Guru Nanak spreads far and wide.

My story

2009-04-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

I grew up with Irish folk music. My family lived in a quiet neighborhood in the West End of Richmond, Va. My 2 younger brothers and I had our own playroom. On Sundays, my father would take out his violin and play Irish songs for hours. It was always part of the background. One of my most vivid memories, was my discovery of the "race" records. Singers such as Blind Lemon Jefferson and Blind Willie McTell. I listened to these songs even before being exposed to rock and roll.

In the sixth grade, my parents signed me up for violin lessons. That was a short-lived experiment. I found the violin to be uncomfortable and being in orchestra was not making me friends.

Around 2 years later, I was rumbling through my father's closet and found his guitar. I took it to my room. That is where it all started. I began lessons, formed a rock group in high school, and played throughout college.

After graduating Emory University, I worked as a car mechanic in Atlanta, GA. During the day, I worked on Toyota landcruisers, and played blues guitar in the evening. It was a great life. However, the opportunity came up to work for Congress in the summer. I enjoyed that summer, but felt a calling for something else.

In 2000, I made my way to the train station with a bag and a guitar. My destination was NYC. I arrived in Washington Heights, and began studies in Talmud at Yeshiva University. For the past 9 years, I have lived in Washington Heights, 6 of those years in one apartment on Fort Washington. I made 2 declarations to myself and G-d. 1. i am not satisfied with the current religious, political, philosophical systems in the world today. 2. i am not leaving this apartment until i work it all out and establish a plan to teach my findings.

This is my story.