MEDIA REVIEWS
Down Come the Walls
by Jai Jagdeesh
Spirit Voyage Records
Actress, classical Indian dancer, photogra-
pher, writer and musician Jai-Jagdeesh spent
years traveling throughout Northern India. At
the time, she was as a musical representative
for Yogi Bhajan’s foreign education program
to further global understanding and practice
of the sacred texts of the Kundalini Yoga. She
also has had the opportunity to connect with
audiences at various live performances, festi-
vals, and vocal workshops around the world.
Her previous studio album releases have gar-
nered much critical acclaim, with one reaching
#6 on the Billboard New Age Music chart. Her
latest offering is: Down Come The Walls.
I was immediately struck by the youthful
timelessness of her voice and its combination
of warmth and vulnerability. The album starts
off with the beautiful track “Aykaa Maaee.”
Here, her delicate voice is supported by a
classical guitar and string quartet. The song
“The Gift” has a pensive, blues-y feel to it that
it reminiscent of Fiona Apple. “Har Har Har
Gobinday” has an addictive and mysterious
melody that you can’t stop repeating in your
mind...certainly the perfect way to put you in a
meditative mode.
On the gentle, waltz-like "Sohung (Sa Ta
Na Ma),” the cello is nearly heartbreaking in
its beauty. A dreamy sounding surf guitar adds
its touch to the song later on. It’s gone in such
a fleeting moment, I would have loved to hear
more.
Jai-Jagdeesh clearly demonstrates not only
incredible musical talent, but an authentic con-
nection with and understanding of the power
of these sacred chants. She is not a “show
off” vocalist; she allows the true beauty of the
chant to come through by paying due respect
to the words and the melody.
Reviewed by McKenna Rowe, a DJ, yoga teacher, and
founder of Chakra 5 Yoga & Wellness: chakra5.la.
Love and Be FreeBy Sri Prem Baba
Awaken Love FoundationThis book is a revelation. It echoes my own
journey over the years at the foot of this mas-
ter. And it is such a treasure to discover this
work now, newly translated in English.
In Love and Be Free: The Basis for a New
Society, Sri Prem Baba discusses his method of
psychospiritual work and how we can apply
its practical tools to create what he refers to as
a New Marriage. He guides us towards taking
responsibility for ourselves in our intimate
relationships. In this way, we are able to take
the first step towards healing on individual,
societal, and global levels. As he states in
LABF, “Our connections with other human
beings—particularly those of a romantic or
sexual nature—are undoubtedly our most
powerful catalysts of truth.”
Prem Baba teaches us how to gain clarity
about where we are individually in the process
of developing consciousness and illuminates
the main obstacles to intimacy. He helps us
to examine our own sexuality and the three
forces with which it expresses itself: eros, sex
and love. Prem Baba offers grounded practices
in all areas of relationship as well as to release
blocked energy and for sustaining intimacy
with ourselves and our partners.
This book is a guide for those who are
ready to turn their attention inward and take
responsibility for their own lives and ready
to sacrifice a bit of comfort for truth, love
and healing.
Love and Be Free is more than words on a
page. It is a transmission from a master and
it illuminates the path of the heart for the
modern spiritual seeker.Reviewed by Susan Marrufo, co-founder of Samarasa
Center in Echo Park, and a facilitator of yoga, medi-
tation, and self-inquiry: samarasacenter.comPick of the LitterDir Don Hardy Jr & Dana Nachman
IFC Films/Sundance SelectsIf you love dogs and/or humanitarian
causes, here is a must-see film that combines
both. Pick of the Litter is a behind-the-scenes
documentary about the preparation of guide
dogs to serve the blind. Compared to the white
cane commonly used by the visually impaired,
a guide dog permits the blind to walk without
restrictions and to explore unknown, complex
areas. Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) breeds
guide dogs, arranges for volunteers to raise
them, trainers to train them, and matches dogs
to requests from the blind.
In the film, five beautiful Labrador retrievers
are born to a female dog selected by a com-
mittee for her positive traits. At two months
old, they go to the volunteer raisers who teach
the dogs obedience and manners. If the dogs
progress satisfactorily, they return to the center
at 16 months, where they will be specifically
trained to be guide dogs for the blind.
The journey for these puppies has built-in
dramatic tension. Which of the dogs will make
it to the training phase? Will the trained dogs
pass their tests? Will the benefactors bond
with the puppies?
The tests are fascinating in and of them-
selves: the dogs must be able to obey com-
mands and yet disobey commands when safety
is at risk.
There are plenty of tears shed onscreen, and
these moments are truly touching.
Pick of the Litter opens at the Laemmle
Royal on August 31. Look for special guests
at select screenings on September 1. The film
plays in a variety of cities nationwide, including
the greater LA area, throughout September.
Visit: pickofthelittermovie.comReviewed by Karen Henry who has spent some time
volunteering with hopeful guide dog puppies. She is
an Associate Editor at Bliss Network who enjoys
slacklining, training in Gyrokinesis, and practicing yoga.