Ecopaparazzi

Look Out! We take action and pictures to heal the Earth.

Christopher Stewart
  • Male
  • Québec, Qc
  • Canada

Christopher Stewart's Friends

  • Blue Jay
  • kathleen aka* kaoskyane (art action union creative activism)
  • robin bird
  • Akua
  • Rick
  • Marla de Vries
  • GuyThaLizard
  • Jeanette McDermott

Poligrafic Blogs

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Poligraf >>> Prog Rocking In Quebec City

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Music and Spiritual Practice - An Overview of Poligraf

Music has been an essential part of my life since the end of the 80s.

The adventure began during the second of my four years of studying electrical engineering at Université Laval in Québec City. Through various friends and contacts I reconnected with progressive rock, a form of music to which I had already been exposed to in my youth thanks to my older brothers and sisters. Hearing the music of bands such as Yes, Rush, Genesis, and King Crimson felt like meeting old friends, and quickly I knew I just had to do as those musicians did, although my prior experience with music had been minimal at that time.

The feeling was so strong that not only did it led me to buy various instruments so I could learn how to play, but it was also the main force that made me decide to change direction after my first semester as a graduate student in computer vision and systems so I could build my life around music. And perhaps more importantly, when it became clear that I would compose music of my own, it spawned the question "what should the songs be about ?" which powered me into many years of exploring a multitude of domains of knowledge including science, philosophy, psychology, art, mysticism, and the occult.

Music for me is also spiritual practice. The inspiration and elevation it provides is undeniable, and the many insights I have had while practicing an instrument or rehearsing a part are too numerous to recount. Music picks me up when I let reason bring me down, restores my energy levels when I feel tired, sustains me through lengthy work sessions, and generally brings me to a state of inner peace and deep joy.

My objective as a musician is to communicate that energy in the hopes that listeners will experience that very same elevation and inspiration. It is also my intention to share my experiences and discoveries and thus hopefully help others reach understandings that can they can use on their own journey.

Buddhism has been an essential part of my life since the mid-90s.

The adventure began when I stumbled upon a feature in an encyclopedic dictionary that highlighted the Four Noble Truths. That finding immediately sparked my curiosity and a few days later I was buying a copy of The Dhammapada at a local bookstore. While slowly digesting the aphorisms in the weeks that followed, I found that its teachings were in continuity with a process of introspection that had begun during an introductory course on neural networks (i.e. systems designed to emulate some of the capabilities of the human brain, such as pattern recognition and associative memory), the study of which had triggered the question "what does this tell me about my own inner workings ?"

From then on I pursued my explorations and plunged into the Tibetan Book Of The Dead, which was quickly followed by various Mahayana sutras. I also bought a guide to learn how to meditate and started experimenting with the practice.

During the years that followed, I plowed through most of the major Mahayana sutras, progressively adjusted my lifestyle and behaviour to accord with the precepts, refined my meditation practice, memorized mantras, and became a vegetarian.

Meditation and mantra recitation are now part of my daily practice.

Poligraf has been an essential part of my life since its inception at the beginning of February 1998.

The adventure began after the collapse of a band that probably never really existed as it only had a handful of rehearsals, but for which I had already written a lot of material. Left alone at the helm, I connected with a group of experienced musicians via a co-worker friend and after agreeing on a general aim and formula, we raised sail and headed to the terra incognita of progressive rock.

Over its eleven years of activity in various incarnations, Poligraf has yielded enough music for three full-length albums and two conceptual EPs, but never really had a chance to officially record any of them, although some of the material has been performed on stage on various occasions.

Most of the music documents my own spiritual path and presents some of the lessons that life has taught me on the way. Some pieces are directly inspired by Buddhist texts or teachings. For instance, "Between Worlds" is directly inspired by the Tibetan Book Of The Dead, and "The Idler" and "Creeper" have been inspired by aphorisms of The Dhammapada. "Void" illustrates the Buddhist concept of emptiness, and "SubjeKctiv" serves as a reminder of the subjectivity of experience and the coextensivity of worlds. "Entering the Stream" is a suite in three chapters that depicts the trajectory of an individual fed up with the mundane who decides to retreat into an ashram for some heavy introspection before returning to the ordinary with a renewed perspective on life.

Throughout all these years, if the Mahayana has provided the vehicle, then Poligraf has certainly provided landscapes, path, and drive, while the buddhas have completed the picture with their timely, serendipitous, and often magical interventions.

I don't know why I feel so strongly about music, progressive rock, and Poligraf in particular, but I just know I do and I trust that feeling to the best of my ability. My connection to Poligraf runs so deep that whenever I let hardships or circumstances turn into reasons to believe that there's no viable future for the band, then I retreat into apathy. That is, until that unmistakable feeling breaks through the veil of confusion to drive me again. To the best of my present understanding, my own self-realization seems to be linked to that of the band, if not as the culmination of my spiritual practice, then at least as an essential stepping stone towards it.

Poligraf's first album is entitled "Samsara." Traditionally, the term refers to the Buddhist concept of the cycle of birth and death in which all beings in the universe take part and which can be escaped only through enlightenment. Personally, I agree with the view that it is rather that very same process of enlightenment, in which ups and downs are in fact the appearance of constant motion towards spiritual growth.

In accordance with that perspective, the album presents a collection of pieces that depicts the journey of an individual who faces a series of challenges through which they will experience various transcendences, on their way to a better version of themselves.

Poligraf is very much eager to spread its wings and go into recording mode. The boys in the band would be grateful if you would be kind enough to learn more about "Samsara" and listen to the demos. You're also invited to extend your support and pre-order one of the packages we have put together to that intent.

Thank you for reading thus far, and best wishes to you on your journey.


Christopher Stewart's Photos

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Christopher Stewart's Blog

The Music Of Poligraf : The Dam part 8



("Masculine Wave" by Katsushika Hokusai)





"Ocean" is the concluding part of "The Dam" and symbolizes the dream, the goal, the calling.



The ocean is calling.…



Continue

Posted on September 4, 2009 at 6:25am

The Music Of Poligraf : Uncoiling part I



(Tobyo from the Bakemono-Dukushi - Unknown Artist)





"Uncoiling I" was originally written in September 2002, elaborating on drafts dating back to September 2000, and a first version was published in 2004.



The title of this miniature fugue for quartet comes from…

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Posted on September 3, 2009 at 6:11am

The Music Of Poligraf : The Chrome Lake part 5





"Introspection II" is the fifth section, and second with vocals, of "The Chrome Lake." And as is the case for its almost-but-not-identical twin "Introspection I," the subject matter is pretty much self-explanatory.



Verse

I see you feel restrained, mechanized, dehumanized

I see you feel estranged, incomplete, dissatisfied

Anything for a refuge, an…

Continue

Posted on September 1, 2009 at 7:34am

The Music Of Poligraf : Juggernaut part 4



(Erie Steam Road Roller scanned by Andy Dingley from the "New Catechism of the Steam Engine.")





“Steamroller” is probably the most busy piece of poligrafic music…

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Posted on August 27, 2009 at 3:00pm

The Music Of Poligraf : The Dam part 7



("Between the waves" by Ivan Aivazovsky)





The seventh chapter of "The Dam" is entitled "Flow" and presents our protagonist/narrator having passed the test, overcome the obstacle, levelled the dam, and…

Continue

Posted on August 24, 2009 at 8:44pm

Profile Information

What do you love most about Ma Earth?
Civilization-free open spaces
What environmental issue concerns you most?
Tar sands development in Alberta
Who is your Eco Hero/Heroine?
Steven Guilbeault (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Guilbeault)
What actions are you taking to help heal the Earth?
Helping to raise public awareness of the issues and impacts of the non-consensual development of oil sands in Alberta by inviting artists and artistically inclined people are invited to participate to The Lepufology Project (http://lepufology.wordpress.com/participate/)
What's the best eco quote you've ever heard?
"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed." — Mahatma Gandhi
What is your favorite green website?
http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/fr/
What gives you the greatest hope for the future of the planet?
The democratization of information, and the resulting elevation in global consciousness
What else would you like to tell us about yourself?
Relatively new to eco-activism, but loving it...
What is your funniest eco moment?
None really deserving of publication thus far...
What is your blog address?
http://lepufology.wordpress.com/

Comment Wall (5 comments)

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At 3:31pm on June 14, 2009, Jeanette McDermott said…
Hi Chris -
Take a look at the posters for the Benefit for the Bears concerts. YOu can click on the poster in the right column, or go to Ursa Freedom Project direct to see the poster and read the press release. It's exciting, and next time around I'd love for the concerts to include you. we would love to have a show in Canada!
At 9:52am on June 10, 2009, Jeanette McDermott said…
We will be raising money for the Benefit for the Bears concerts, so who knows ... one day not too far off in the distance you may be traveling with your music to help raise awareness for the bears and other vital conservation issues. Vive la musica!
At 5:20pm on June 3, 2009, Jeanette McDermott said…
Hey, Hi Chris -
Thanks for the kudos for ecopaparazzi. I'm still in Nicaragua. I'm falling in love with the natural landscape here and can't seem to pull away from it. But I do hope to trek into Guatemala next month and continue some new exploration. Central America really is beautiful. The food is crummy, but beauty and gentle people make up for it. It's always a joy to hear from you.
At 4:53pm on January 27, 2009, kathleen aka* kaoskyane (art action union creative activism) said…
why thanks for the invitation mr. Chris...
At 5:26pm on January 14, 2009, Jeanette McDermott said…
Hi Christopher and welcome to ecopaparazzi! About the time I think I know about all of the eco issues and concerns, lo and behold another one pops up onto my radar. I know nothing about the non-consensual tar sands development in Alberta. Let's give it some attention here! Would you like to write an article about it for ecopaparazzi, including what people worldwide can do to help stop it? I'm going to add your project blog to our sister site to also give the issue more attention. Let's get started!
 
 
 

Eco photos show the beauty and destruction of Mother Earth. Pictures sound the alarm; wake us up; and motivate us toward activism.

Members

ECO KUDOS

Kudos to artist and writer Rod MacIver for producing a gorgeous edition of one of the most inspirational books I've ever read and animated films I've ever seen -- The Man Who Planted Trees. Rod's journal includes the story by Jean Giono and interviews with the film animator Frederic Back. Buy it at Heron Dance.

Global greed is out. Local sharing is in. The Wall Street system failed us; this book is a great guide as we build the alternatives. Kudos to David Korten, one of our most brilliant economic thinkers.

Thanks to Denis Slieker and Jos van Assendelft for writing Our Balancing Act: the real value of ecosystems. The book emphasizes the need to put a monetary value on the services provided by forests in order to provide a business case against unsustainable conversion. Buy the book at www.theforestenterprise.com

The Indianapolis Prize is the largest individual monetary award for animal species conservation in the world and is given as an unrestricted gift to the chosen honoree by the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation. The award is an energetic and spectacular celebration of conservation victories and puts heroes, who live in danger of both wild beasts and poachers, on the pedestal that we usually reserve for sports and entertainment stars.

TAKE ACTION!

Subscribe to YES! magazine for informative and uplifting world state of affairs.

A series of studies find that activism brings pleasant emotions, greater life satisfaction, and more experiences of freedom, competence, and connection to others. Posted from http://www.yesmagazine.org/

Reduce your footprint.

Take back the comment boards on green blogs and websites. They've been domineered by obstructionist opponents of science and climate action long enough. So what can we do? Comment back. Read more.

Learn why biodiversity is important. Ask a kid. Even a 3-year old understands the importance of bees for pollination.

Put Earth first in 2010. De-clutter your mind and reprogram it for green. Explore avenues for green activism. Beware of the Green Scare and loss of civil liberties. There are tips on how to do this at Planet Green.

Become part of the Backyard Revolution and landscape for wildlife.

Replace your lawn with native shrubs, flowers and trees. Plant a butterfly garden, and put in a pond. You'll benefit from the beauty and tranquility of your yard, and wildlife will benefit from the food and water sources that you provide.

Need some guidance? Read the book Bringing Nature Home.

Half of all animal species will be extinct in our lifetime, unless emissions peak by 2020. Cut greenhouse gas emissions by reducing your energy consumption, learning more about climate change and getting active in community efforts to heal the Earth. Become part of the solution.

Feed the hungry.
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Be kind to animals.
Stop factory farms.
Save 100 animals every year.

End deforestation for grazing.
Save an acre of trees.
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Tell USDA 'Wildlife Services'
to stop killing wildlife for
corporate ranchers' profits.

Stop wars for resources.
Help end corporate rule.
Live your conscience.

Save our oceans.
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Support a sustainable planet.

Think outside yourself.
Live compassionately.
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Forum

Zoo animals in desperate need of your help! 1 Reply

Dubai Zoo, based in Jumeirah have been reported many times of neglecting and not feeding their animals on a regular basis. Their enclosures aren't big enough either and animals have been reported…Continue

Started by Melanie Burns. Last reply by Melanie Burns Mar 16, 2011.

UN calls for shift to veganism 1 Reply

In order to maintain sustainability as we move toward a global population of 9.1 billion people by 2050, the …Continue

Tags: hunger, UN, agriculture, veganism, vegan

Started by Jeanette McDermott. Last reply by Maren Dallmann Jun 16, 2010.

Help for the Honeybees and us

As most of you know, the chemical burden in the food chain and the environment as a whole is quite huge, I am doing my part to help not just us humans but also the honeybees.This started several…Continue

Started by Wil Spencer Jan 17, 2010.

Hope for Sun Bears

A new facility, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), is being built in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, in response to threats that are driving the sun bear species to extinction: human…Continue

Tags: Malaysia, sunbears, Conservation, Borneo, Bornean

Started by Jeanette McDermott Jan 5, 2010.

Industrial Society Destroys Mind and Environment

The link between Mind and Social / Environmental-Issues.The fast-paced, consumerist lifestyle of Industrial Society is causing exponential rise in psychological problems besides destroying the…Continue

Tags: philosophy, society, sustainability, industrialization, globalization

Started by sushil yadav Dec 4, 2009.

Following the 'Midway Journey' The Great Pacific Garbage Patch 3 Replies

If anyone is interested in The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (Pacific Gyre) I encourage you to follow a group of Media Artists currently on Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean. They are documenting the…Continue

Tags: Gyre, Chris, Jordan, The, Patch

Started by Sherry Robinson. Last reply by Sherry Robinson Dec 4, 2009.

Abuse at Korean Zoo for entertainment 2 Replies

http://www.buzzfeed.com/awesomer/panic-bear-cciPlease be assured that we (moonbears.org) are dealing with this immediately. Completely…Continue

Tags: korea, zoo, abuse, animal

Started by Kelly Frances. Last reply by Ashley Wetzel Nov 11, 2009.

Monkey School in Korea, investigated by KARA

The follwing article was produced by KARA, an animal welfare group in Korea. This TERRIBLE facility was also reported on in an article by Ms Carly Nugent on behalf of moonbears.org for Groove…Continue

Tags: korea, abuse, animal

Started by Kelly Frances Sep 27, 2009.

LEARN!

Bees pollinate the cereals we eat, forests and wetlands purify the water we drink, and trees trap pollutants from the air we breathe. The Wealth of Nature shows us the wide range of Mother Nature's amazing services.

Download the Implementation Strategy for 2010 International Year of Biodiversity.

Within these eco portals are key people and organizations that are working to heal Mother Earth.

Organic Consumers Association

Smithsonian Zoogoer archives

Download the Educator's Guide to Biodiversity and engage in dialogue about teaching youth about our wondrous Mother Earth.

The IUCN Red List is a key conservation tool. Download the pdf to learn more.

"The longer we wait, the more expensive it will be to prevent future extinctions," says Dr Jane Smart, Head of IUCN's Species Programme. "We now know what species are threatened, what the threats are and where we have no more excuses to watch from the sidelines." Learn more about bears on the IUCN Red List of Threatened and Endangered Species.

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