4.4 The New Age Movement

By the early 1970s, Alice Coltrane had moved beyond traditional jazz into a deeply spiritual and experimental sound. “Journey in Satchidananda,” released in 1971, reflects her devotion to meditation and Hindu philosophy. The music unfolds slowly and meditatively, encouraging listeners to experience a sense of spiritual journey. The title references Satchidananda, a Sanskrit term describing divine essence that is eternal, conscious, and blissful. Coltrane aimed to create music that served not only as art but also as a form of prayer, guiding listeners toward inner peace and enlightenment.