Primordial Sound: Exploring the Sacred Vibration

Also published in mantakchia.com.

Ordinary sound is generated when at least two objects come into contact, collide, are disturbed, or are struck by one another. Thunder in the sky, rustling of the wind, chirping of birds, melodies of instrumental or vocal music, buzzing of machines, and numerous other sounds are a few examples.

The term ‘primordial’ holds a unique and special significance in Taoist literature and practice. In a spiritual context, primordial means existing at or from the beginning of time. Primordial Sound is unstruck and hasn’t arisen from friction between objects or an impact. Primordial Sound exists within and around all beings; it is omnipresent, and it resonates within every individual regardless of their awareness or conscious perception of it. Therefore, it can be easily said that there is an inherent connection between the cosmos and us. This connection transcends our ordinary sensory experiences, that leads us to think of a deeper, universal truth that binds every aspect of creation together beyond the limits of our immediate perception.

Its Origin

According to ancient scriptures, this eternal and boundless sound is said to envelop the whole universe, serving as the origin of all existence. It holds a fundamental role, being essential for the existence of all other sounds. It acts as the vast canvas upon which every other sound is painted and manifested, symbolizing the primordial essence that underlies and gives rise to a variety of auditory experiences in the cosmos.

This sacred sound is the primal sound of the universe before its creation. Additionally, it is described as the manifestation of the divine absolute itself. It is a celestial melody that harmoniously resonates within the depths of every being. This universal vibration connects us to a higher realm, regardless of whether one is consciously attuned to its presence. This harmonic essence reminds us of the transcendent rhythm that underlies the universe, playing perpetually for those who choose to listen and attune themselves to its divine melody.

The observer becomes aware of or senses the sound rather than simply hearing it in the conventional sense. It is often described as an internal perception or a subtle awareness, transcending the physical sense of hearing. The experience goes beyond the ordinary auditory perception and is considered a manifestation of higher states of consciousness in spiritual practices.

The Holy Trinity

Primordial Sound coexists with Primordial Light and Primordial Force, and it can be said that they form a trinity. This trinity, comprising light, sound, and force, symbolizes the completeness of the cosmos or creation. They are interrelated aspects of the fundamental nature of the universe, and the universe manifests through these fundamental aspects.

Primordial Light is the fundamental illumination or cosmic light that precedes and gives rise to all forms of light in the universe. In Taoist cosmology, Primordial Light is seen as the first emanation or expression of the divine source from which everything else emerges.

Primordial Force, on the other hand, is the fundamental energy or power that permeates the universe and drives all phenomena. It’s equated with Qi, which represents the life force that flows through all living beings. Primordial force is the cosmic energy that governs the cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction.

Light symbolizes knowledge, enlightenment, and the visual manifestation of the universe. Sound represents vibration, communication, and the auditory manifestation of existence. Force symbolizes energy, movement, and the underlying power that drives creation and change. Together, they represent a full spectrum of existential and universal phenomena.

By grouping these elements into a trinity, the framework for understanding the universe can be studied in three dimensions of existence—physical, mental, and spiritual. This three-part division helps conceptualize how the universe is perceived and how it operates, from the most tangible to the most ethereal. These three elements are seen as the foundational principles or building blocks from which everything in the universe is derived. The concept of a trinity also often carries associations of balance and harmony, suggesting that these three elements are not only interdependent but also in a state of constant interaction that maintains the equilibrium of the universe.

Beginningless and Endless

Who Can Hear It?

The accessibility of this sound knows no bounds —there is no restriction on who can hear or feel its presence.

Some individuals may not interpret this energetic oscillation as a conventional sound; rather, it may manifest as a physical sensation —especially for those with heightened body awareness; this universal vibration might be perceived through bodily sensations such as pressure in the eardrums or a tingling sensation.

Visually oriented individuals, such as graphic artists, might encounter this vibrational energy as a nuanced quality within the visual field, a continual subtle light ranging from violet to pink. Regardless of the predominant mode of experience, whether through the body or visual perception, that becomes the focal point of perception to engage with the universal vibration.

Individuals who engage in consistent inner spiritual practices, such as Meditation, Qigong, or Yoga, are more attuned to subtle internal experiences and may be more likely to perceive Primordial Sound or other subtle vibrations.

The sounds emanate from the crown of the head but are perceived at the heart energy center and heard by the right ear. It is heard by the right ear due to the vibration of the Right Thrusting Channel at the heart level. It has been observed that the sound can also be perceived through the left ear, but there’s a specific recommendation to focus on hearing them from the right ear.

Insight and Universal Vibration

Listening to the sound can be a gateway to insight. It becomes the wallpaper of our inner space, a constant background to our thoughts and experiences. Even amid activities or conversations, the sound remains, providing a consistent anchor for mindfulness. Some may experience it as a sound, while some perceive it as a physical sensation or a subtle energy vibration throughout the body.

Concentrating on Primordial Sound has the remarkable ability to aid in calming and enhancing the mind significantly. As attention is directed towards this subtle sound, the mind becomes more alert, cultivating a keener sense of awareness. The continuous presence of this sound becomes a steady support for deepening meditation, encouraging practitioners to set aside other thoughts, preoccupations, and sensations consciously.

The awareness of the sound isn’t limited to the times of meditation. Practitioners can extend this mindful state throughout their daily activities, allowing the sound to permeate their consciousness no matter what they are doing. This ongoing presence serves as a constant, gentle reminder of their inner calm and connection, providing a serene backdrop to the haste and hurry of daily life.

Capturing the Sound

A beginner starts by blocking their ears, closing their eyes and mouth to concentrate inwardly, and tuning into a spectrum of inner sounds. Practitioners can attune themselves to hear these internal sounds without physically blocking their ears, eyes, or mouth when reaching a heightened level of focus and control. Initially, these sounds can vary widely, resembling natural and musical sounds, which serves as an entry point to deeper meditation and awareness of the subtle, continuous sound within.

According to the ancient texts, these sounds range from bells/chimes, the spiritual call of a conch or a sea-shell, the gentle strum of a lute, a lyre/harp, clapping, a drum, a kettle-drum, thunder (sound of lightning), the roar of the ocean, the sound of crickets, the patter of rain, the bold sound of a horn or trumpet, the melodious flow of a flute, or the buzzing of a bee. Over time, more subtle sounds as a single musical tone can be sensed.

They are part of the initial experiences in deepening one’s meditative state. The specific sound you perceive in your practice today might not be the same one you hear in future sessions, indicating the dynamic and changing nature of these internal auditory experiences.

These sounds, ever-present within, become perceivable as one achieves a certain depth of stillness and concentration. The continuous presence of the inner sound contrasts with the ups and downs of our focus, leading to the perception that the sound appears and disappears on its own. Our awareness of the inner sound gives rise to the perception that it has just emerged, yet when distractions arise or meditation ends, it appears to vanish. The inner sound, however, remains constant, analogous to omnipresent radio waves, always accessible for us to reconnect with through attentive listening.

To help with a smoother experience, Grandmaster Mantak Chia offers an easy-to-apply technique to capture the sound faster and more efficiently. With reference to ancient wisdom, we already know the throat energy center vibrates at the frequency of sky-blue. Using the sky-blue energy of the throat center, we charge the eardrum, the inner ear, and the entire ear by simply copying the same color to the mentioned areas. We also copy the same color to the eye sockets. This method will amplify the ear system to listen to any distant sound or connect with your inner voice. After successful activation and with due concentration, the ear will capture the sound.

Its Place in the Taoist Tradition

In Taoist tradition, Primordial Sound has been referred to as the ‘Great Tone’. The concept of the ‘Great Tone’ or ‘Great Sound’ (Da Sheng, 大声) symbolizes the underlying harmony and unity of all existence, closely related to the broader Taoist principle of the Tao, representing the fundamental principle underlying the universe and the source of all existence.

The ‘Great Tone’ is closely associated with the idea of Wu Wei, or ‘actionless action,’ which emphasizes aligning oneself with the natural flow of the Tao. It is often described as an ineffable and transcendent sound that pervades the cosmos, resonating within all beings and embodying the inherent order and balance of the universe, serving as the cosmic symphony that sustains life and creation. However, as we navigate through life, we often become disconnected from this divine essence, leading to a sense of separation and disunity.

The student’s journey involves rediscovering and reconnecting with Primordial Sound through various practices, such as focused listening. The students may seek to align themselves with the sound through deep listening and inner stillness by quieting the mind, opening themselves to the subtle vibrations and aligning their consciousness with the original, transcendent source from which they have temporarily separated.

Ultimately, the goal of Taoist practice is not merely to hear or sense Primordial Sound but to merge with it completely. This merging represents a profound spiritual realization in which the practitioner transcends the limitations of the material world and experiences union with the divine. This journey symbolizes a return to a state of spiritual wholeness and unity—a reunion with the divine essence from which all existence emanates. It is a state of spiritual wholeness and harmony—a return to the spiritual home from which we have temporarily strayed.

Its Place in Greek Mythology

In Greek mythology, there are many references to divine beings associated with sound and music, such as Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and the arts, as well as Muses. Apollo’s lyre is often depicted as producing harmonious melodies that resonate with the celestial spheres, echoing the cosmic order and divine harmony.

The music played by the Muses represents an earthly manifestation of Primordial Sound —the echo of the divine resonance reverberating through the cosmos. Just as the strings of the lyre or the breath through the flute produce harmonious melodies, so too does Primordial Sound give rise to the symphony of creation, infusing it with beauty, order, and meaning.

Its Place in Buddhism

In the , Avalokiteshvara explains that he attained enlightenment through concentration on the subtle inner sound. The Buddha then praises him and says that this is the supreme way to go:

How sweetly mysterious is the Transcendental Sound of Avalokiteshvara! It is the pure Brahman Sound. It is the subdued murmur of the seatide setting inward. Its mysterious Sound brings liberation and peace to all sentient beings who, in their distress, are calling for aid; it brings a sense of permanency to those who are truly seeking the attainment of Nirvana’s Peace . . .

The text highlights the profound and mysterious nature of this sound, which is described as the ‘pure Brahman Sound’ and as resembling ‘the subdued murmur of the seatide setting inward.’ This suggests that the Transcendental Sound is subtle yet pervasive, with transformative power that brings liberation and peace to sentient beings in distress.

Mention of Sounds in the Book of Revelation

And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a peal of thunder. After that, the Sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.” (from Revelation, 14)

The passage describes a profound auditory experience that John the Apostle encounters during his vision of heavenly realms. It portrays the heavenly sound as reminiscent of the roar of rushing waters and the peal of thunder. It describes the sound as similar to that of harpists playing their harps.

Aum in Hindu ancient scriptures

In Hindu scriptures, the concept of Primordial Sound is referred to as ‘Nada Brahma’ (The sound of the Creator) or “Om.” This concept holds profound significance in Hindu philosophy and spirituality, representing the ultimate reality and the fundamental vibration from which the universe emanates.

Aum (Om) is considered the most sacred syllable in Hinduism, often described as Primordial Sound of creation. It is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita. It is believed to encapsulate the essence of the universe, representing the past, present, and future, as well as the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states of consciousness.

Its Healing Effects

Primordial Sound, a higher vibration sound, possesses profound healing properties that can positively impact the body, mind, and spirit. It resonates at a frequency that can penetrate deeply into the cells of the body. Through this vibrational resonance, Primordial Sound may stimulate cellular activity, promote balance, and facilitate the release of energetic blockages or tension stored within the body’s tissues.

In many healing traditions, illness and disease are seen as manifestations of imbalances within the body’s energy systems. Primordial Sound may help restore harmony and balance to these energy pathways, promoting optimal functioning of the body’s organs and systems.

The soothing and harmonizing tone and qualities of Primordial Sound induces a state of deep relaxation, which is essential for the body’s natural healing processes to occur. By reducing stress levels and promoting a sense of calmness, Primordial Sound may support the body’s ability to heal itself. Sound vibrations have the power to stimulate emotional responses and therefore can release suppressed emotions stored within the body. Primordial Sound may provide a safe and supportive method for individuals to process and release emotional trauma.

In Conclusion

Primordial Sound is a profound guide for practitioners, serving as more than just an auditory experience—it’s a sensation, an energy that opens paths to deeper consciousness. It becomes a doorway to a journey of discovery within, turning meditation into a transformative exploration of inner calm and the essence of one’s being.

It also reinforces the connection between the individual and the universal stillness that permeates all timeless existence.