Saniel Bonder's acclaimed newest novel
Kirkus' Review of ULTIMAYA 1.0
"Equal parts spiritual quest, unlikely love story and existential cautionary tale, Bonder's soulful science fiction novel is about one man's fantastical journey to understand himself — and God."Set in the Carolinas in 1992, the story revolves around Leopold Stokes, the CEO of a regional bank who seemingly has it all. But when he buys a laptop from an old friend who owns a chain of computer stores, the technophobic banker accidentally opens up a program called Ultimaya 1.0 that features "virtual" software that promises to fulfill his deepest wishes. But Stokes — who cares little about spiritual things and thinks that God is "at best inconsequential" in the affairs of humans — questions his beliefs when the mysterious, godlike program repeatedly turns his life upside down. He becomes wildly successful in business ("the single most financially powerful man on Earth"), gets elected as a senator and evolves into nothing short of a god. But still he isn't truly happy — and he's still alone. After realizing that Ultimaya 1.0 is essentially a "karmic accelerator," Stokes — an ill-tempered Alice with a Southern drawl — eventually makes it out of his existential rabbit hole and vows to set things straight with those significant in his life — but will it all be for naught?
"The portrayal of Stokes as a deeply flawed man is a risky but brilliant narrative move; readers will identify with him and experience his transformation on an intimate, profound level. Powered by a subtle sense of humor, brisk pacing and an action-packed, metaphysically nuanced storyline, this novel is simultaneously entertaining and enlightening; it's powerfully moving and edifying without coming across as preachy or heavy-handed.
"An engaging, deeply spiritual story of salvation that will compel readers to look at the world — and themselves — in a different light."
Purchase Ultimaya 1.0
Read excerpts of the book selected by Saniel
Linda Groves-Bonder's
gorgeous toning album
For years, many of you who have heard brief passages of Linda's wordless vocal “toning” -- on our online recordings, or live at our events -- have asked if a recording could be made available. Well, we're extremely pleased to announce that a full CD has been produced and is now available in our bookstore.
Linda writes of the creation of Joy of Being
“For years I have been doing vocal 'toning' at meditations and events around the world where Saniel and I have been teaching. When I find myself moved to tone, I allow a very natural expression to manifest. I don't think about it; I just allow Being to flow. It has always been a way for me to spontaneously transmit a form of loving, healing sound.
“Many people through the years have expressed the desire to have recordings of my vocal toning for their meditation practice, healing, and a deepening of their embodied awakening.
“Now I am happy to say I have completed a CD of original vocal toning for you to enjoy. Five of the songs are a cappella vocals, with no musical accompaniment. Three of the others have beautiful instrumentals composed and performed by Trammell Starks. And the tune, 'Song for Fathers,' is my original composition, to which Trammell added the instrumental tracks. to which Trammell added the instrumental tracks. The song is dedicated to my father, Clarence Groves, and to Saniel's, Murray Bonder.LISTEN to a sample clip
“The way this project began is quite a wonderful story. When Saniel and I were teaching at an Integral salon in Atlanta, Georgia, in March 2010, Trammell was at the event. We were introduced to him before the evening started. Afterward, when we spoke some more, he told me that he liked my voice very much and asked if I would perhaps be interested in creating a CD of my toning -- which I'd performed for the group that evening in my spontaneous way. I said yes, I'd be thrilled, and we agreed we'd find a time soon for me to come and record with him in his studio.
“Trammell was so generous! He actually gifted me with all the recording time in the studio, co-production of the project, engineering, mixing and mastering. He made a very specific point that this gift was for both Saniel and me, because of the blessing of the spiritual work we're bringing into the world, which he deeply appreciates. I was so touched, and grateful.
“He suggested I listen to some of his previously recorded original instrumentals to see if I might be interested in toning with them. I was excited and of course said yes. Three of the songs on the CD are among the ones of his I listened to.
“Our recording time came a few months later, in the first days of July last summer. Since then we've been working from a distance to fine-tune the songs and get the sound we want. Working with Trammell was such a delight. His gentle nature, superb ear, and great expertise as recording engineer, musician, and producer truly were additional gifts to me and to the music you can now hear.
“So, that's the story of Joy of Being, and I am so happy to make it available to you -- as I say on the back cover of the CD, 'from my Heart to yours!'”
Linda writes of the creation of Joy of Being
“For years I have been doing vocal 'toning' at meditations and events around the world where Saniel and I have been teaching. When I find myself moved to tone, I allow a very natural expression to manifest. I don't think about it; I just allow Being to flow. It has always been a way for me to spontaneously transmit a form of loving, healing sound.
“Many people through the years have expressed the desire to have recordings of my vocal toning for their meditation practice, healing, and a deepening of their embodied awakening.
“Now I am happy to say I have completed a CD of original vocal toning for you to enjoy. Five of the songs are a cappella vocals, with no musical accompaniment. Three of the others have beautiful instrumentals composed and performed by Trammell Starks. And the tune, 'Song for Fathers,' is my original composition, to which Trammell added the instrumental tracks. to which Trammell added the instrumental tracks. The song is dedicated to my father, Clarence Groves, and to Saniel's, Murray Bonder.
LISTEN to a sample clip
from "Song for Fathers"
“The way this project began is quite a wonderful story. When Saniel and I were teaching at an Integral salon in Atlanta, Georgia, in March 2010, Trammell was at the event. We were introduced to him before the evening started. Afterward, when we spoke some more, he told me that he liked my voice very much and asked if I would perhaps be interested in creating a CD of my toning -- which I'd performed for the group that evening in my spontaneous way. I said yes, I'd be thrilled, and we agreed we'd find a time soon for me to come and record with him in his studio.
“Trammell was so generous! He actually gifted me with all the recording time in the studio, co-production of the project, engineering, mixing and mastering. He made a very specific point that this gift was for both Saniel and me, because of the blessing of the spiritual work we're bringing into the world, which he deeply appreciates. I was so touched, and grateful.
“He suggested I listen to some of his previously recorded original instrumentals to see if I might be interested in toning with them. I was excited and of course said yes. Three of the songs on the CD are among the ones of his I listened to.
“Our recording time came a few months later, in the first days of July last summer. Since then we've been working from a distance to fine-tune the songs and get the sound we want. Working with Trammell was such a delight. His gentle nature, superb ear, and great expertise as recording engineer, musician, and producer truly were additional gifts to me and to the music you can now hear.
“So, that's the story of Joy of Being, and I am so happy to make it available to you -- as I say on the back cover of the CD, 'from my Heart to yours!'”