Cloister Recording Archive Tapes -- Note from the Editor

Volume I of The Real World Catalog 1998 is a listing of over 200 audio archive talk tapes. These tapes were recorded on occasions when groups have gathered around different teachers and asked questions of burning necessity. As a result Cloister Recordings is able to offer to you tapes that penetrate many esoteric topics and contain awe-inspiring revelations and practical information on self transformation. The talks contained herein reveal practical keys to the path of self-initiation for the beginner as well as the seasoned student. Every tape reveals pearls of wisdom and secret hints you won't want to miss.

To help readers find their way through the incredible wealth of information, the catalog provides detailed descriptions of each talk. Each tape is listed according to its content under the topic-related chapter heading. As you glance through the catalog you will note that some tapes will be found in more than one category because they cover more than one topic in enough depth to be excellent work tools in each of the categories in which the tape appears.

To add to the “work usefulness” of The Real World Catalog 1998 we have included aphorisms taken from writings and musings of E. J. Gold. These aphorisms are pithy and sometimes humorous statements that can be recalled anytime, anyplace to help us as we strive to maintain our balance during our voyage through the shocking ambushes of the bardo. To further enhance the catalogue we have also illustrated it with artwork by E.J. Gold. The images are intended to spark an intuitive recognition of archetypical bardo spaces, provide keys to a specific bardo chamber or offer a space of stillness and silence where one can meditate.

Each page of the RWC '98 also offers a "Cloister's Choice" as an additional guide. We here at Cloister Recordings understand how difficult and time consuming making a decision can be on which tape to buy next in order to further your understanding and ability to work on self. To help the decision-making process we have highlighted those tapes that we feel would be an excellent addition to any work oriented audio library.

As you build your archive talk tape library you will notice that the tapes vary widely in their audio quality. This depends largely, though not entirely, on the situation and conditions under which they were originally recorded. Some titles have been remastered to improve their quality but many more tapes are waiting to be remastered. The work of remastering these tapes is an ongoing effort that the staff of Cloister Recordings has been engaged in for many years and will continue to be engaged in for many more years.

It is our wish to make available to the serious seeker after truth the best quality archive audio tapes possible. Anyone interested in helping with the restoration of these archive audio recordings should contact Cloister Recordings by email info@gatewaysbooksandtapes.com, fax (530) 272-0184, telephone (530) 272-0180, or mail Cloister Recordings, P.O. Box 370, Nevada City, CA 95959. The Real World Catalog 1998 comes with a $25.00 merchandise certificate which can be redeemed with your first order from the catalog. Thus essentially, the catalog is free. To order call 1(800) 869-0658, (530) 272-0180; fax (530) 272-0184; email info@gatewaysbooksandtapes.com or mail your check for $25.00 plus $4.00 for shipping and handling to Cloister Recordings, P.O. Box 370, Nevada City, CA 95959. See you in the real world!

—Marvel Lane