Watch With One Voice

With One Voice is a unique documentary film that explores the power of sound and music in different religious traditions around the world. Directed by Steven Newmark and produced by Barbara Marx Hubbard, this film was released in 2009 and features interviews with spiritual leaders, musicians, and scholars from various faiths, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Native American traditions.

The film opens with a beautiful montage of natural landscapes and people chanting, singing, or playing music. The voiceover explains that sound is the first manifestation of the universe, and that every culture has its own way of creating and honoring sounds that connect them to the divine. We then hear from several spiritual teachers who share their insights about sound and its role in their spiritual practice.

One of the first persons we meet is A. Hameed Ali, a Sufi teacher and founder of the Diamond Approach. He talks about the inner resonance that we can cultivate through meditation and inquiry, and how that can lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and reality. He also plays a lute and sings a beautiful song that expresses the longing of the soul for its beloved.

Ajahn Amaro, a Theravada Buddhist monk, shares his perspective on the use of chanting and mindfulness in meditation, and how that helps to calm and clear the mind. He also demonstrates the rhythmic breathing technique known as "sweeping the body" that he learned from his teacher Ajahn Chah. The camera follows his movements and breaths, evoking a sense of stillness and peace.

David A. Cooper, a Jewish rabbi and author, explains how the Hebrew letters and words carry hidden meanings and powers that can be unlocked through chanting and contemplation. He shows us his personal Torah scroll that he wrote with his own hand, and sings a prayer that invokes the presence of God in the room.

Other spiritual leaders and musicians that appear in the film include: Jai Uttal, a kirtan singer and disciple of Neem Karoli Baba; Nawang Khechog, a Tibetan flute player and former monk; Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, a leader of the Sufi Order International; Sobonfu Somé, an African healer and teacher; and Grandfather Tom Blue Wolf, a Native American elder and singer.

Each of these guests shares their unique perspective on the power of sound, and the film weaves them together in a seamless and inspiring way. We see how sound can be used for healing, for prayer, for celebration, or for expression of the heart. We also see how different cultures can learn from each other and find common ground through music and spirituality.

The film is not just a collection of talking heads, however. It also features stunning visual and musical elements that enhance the themes and messages of the speakers. For instance, we see a time-lapse of a desert landscape while Nawang Khechog plays his flute, or a close-up of a tree while Jai Uttal sings a song to Ganesha. The camera also captures the faces and gestures of the audience members, who often seem deeply moved by the performances.

The film ends with a climax that brings together all the musicians and leaders in a grand finale that combines drumming, chanting, singing, and dancing from all the traditions. The energy and joy of this moment are palpable, and the film invites us to join in this celebration of diversity and unity.

With One Voice is a beautiful and uplifting film that showcases the power of human creativity and spirituality. It reminds us that despite our differences, we are all part of the same cosmic symphony, and that listening to each other's voices can enrich our own. It is a must-see for anyone who loves music, contemplation, or interfaith dialogue.

With One Voice is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.