The Mysterious Song of the Universe

Primordial Sound

Ordinary sound occurs when two or more objects interact by colliding, striking, or disturbing one another. Examples include thunder in the sky, rustling wind, bird songs, instrumental music, vocalizations, or the mechanical buzzing of machines. These sounds are based on physical phenomena and are perceived through the sensory mechanism of hearing.

In contrast, Primordial Sound arises without physical interaction. This ‘unstruck sound’ signifies a subtle, eternal vibration that underlies all existence. It is omnipresent and exists both within and around all beings. The term primordial implies something that has existed since the beginning of time.

Nature and Origin of Primordial Sound

Primordial Sound is described as eternal, boundless, and all-encompassing. It functions as the origin of all existence and is the foundation for all other auditory experiences. This sound can be heard with the ears or felt as an inner resonance or subtle awareness.

Primordial Sound is the underlying base for all other sounds, representing a fundamental essence that supports all types of acoustic experiences in the universe. It’s also seen as a heavenly expression of the ultimate divine, quietly resonating within all living beings, regardless of their beliefs or level of awareness.

Beginningless and Endless: Timeless Properties of Primordial Sound

Ancient texts describe Primordial Sound as eternal, always present, and surrounding the universe. It is the starting point and foundation for all other sounds. It is sacred and seen as the heartbeat of the universe, and operates as a medium through which individuals connect to something greater, whether consciously or not.

A defining feature of Primordial Sound is its timelessness. It neither begins nor ends and has a constant presence. We often perceive it as a high-pitched ringing tone in the background of awareness. Some practitioners describe it as loud and distinct, while others may initially find it challenging to perceive.

During meditation, individuals are encouraged to concentrate on their hearing to develop the ability to perceive this subtle sound. Its impartial and consistent nature makes it an ideal focus for concentration.

Sound is regarded as a subtle emanation originating from a divine source, accessible through heightened inner sensitivity. In this context, the human body is viewed as a channel for receiving vibrations from realms beyond the physical.

The Taoist Trinity: Sound, Light, and Force

In Taoist metaphysics, Primordial Sound does not exist on its own. It is part of a trinity with Primordial Light and Primordial Force. Together, these three aspects are said to constitute the foundational dimensions of the cosmos.

Primordial Light is seen as the original cosmic light that sparks all other light and symbolizes knowledge and enlightenment. Primordial Force, also known as Qi, is the life energy flowing through everything, regulating the cycles of creation, preservation, and change. Primordial Sound represents the vibration and communication inherent in existence, reflecting the energy that drives movement and transformation.

Who Can Perceive It?

Anyone can enjoy the wonderful experience of Primordial Sound! There are no restrictions. However, the way it is perceived can vary significantly:

• • Kinesthetic sensitivity: Some people report experiencing vibrations, like pressure in the eardrums, tingling, or pulsation.

• • Visual sensitivity: Visually oriented practitioners, including artists, sometimes perceive a subtle light field—often described in shades of violet or pink—as part of the same vibrational experience.

• • Practitioners of internal disciplines: Those who regularly engage in Qigong, Yoga, or Meditation are often more attuned to these subtle frequencies, likely due to an enhanced internal awareness.

The sound emanates from the crown of the head, is perceived at the heart center, and is most clearly ‘heard’ through the right ear. This is due to the vibratory nature of the Left Thrusting Channel at the heart level. While some practitioners report hearing it in the left ear, classical instruction recommends first maintaining awareness in the right ear to align more effectively with the intended vibratory pathway.

Capturing the Sound: Instructional Techniques

Beginners are encouraged to block their ears (using fingers or plugs), cover their eyes, and keep their mouths shut. This will help eliminate external distractions, enable an inward shift of focus, and allow the practitioner to tune into subtle sounds.

With consistent practice and increasing concentration, the practitioner may reach a stage where physical blocking is not necessary. In this way, the practitioner can perceive the internal sounds in ordinary settings.

Initially, the audible sounds may resemble more familiar forms:

• • Bells or chimes
  • The sound of a conch or sea-shell
  • Gentle string instruments like lute, lyre, harp
  • Clapping or drumming (including kettle drums)
  • Thunder or ocean waves
  • Crickets or rainfall
  • Horns, trumpets or flutes
  • The buzzing of bees

Over time, the sounds you hear may change into quieter, individual tones. This change shows that you are becoming more aware and is an important step in your practice. Sometimes, the sounds you notice will be different from one session to the next, so be ready for these changes.

As practitioners enter deeper stillness and concentration, they often start to notice those inner sounds that are always there. The way we perceive these elements can actually change depending on how focused we are. The sound may fade or disappear, not because it stops, but because the practitioner’s awareness shifts.

This phenomenon creates the impression that sound appears and disappears on its own. However, the inner sound remains constant, much like radio waves, which are always present in the environment and become audible only when properly tuned in. Through attentive listening, practitioners can reconnect with this vibratory presence at will.

Visualization Technique from Grandmaster Mantak Chia

Grandmaster Mantak Chia presents a technique based on Taoist internal alchemy. It seeks to enhance auditory sensitivity to Primordial Sound through energetic and visual concentration.

The throat energy center is linked to a sky-blue frequency. Practitioners are encouraged to visualize this sky-blue color and project it onto the eardrums, inner ear structures, and eye sockets. This color placement aims to amplify the hearing and enhance the ability to perceive subtle vibrations. Practitioners are then encouraged to maintain concentration to enable the ear to ‘capture’ sound with greater clarity and depth.

This method combines color, visualization, and focused intention to activate the inner hearing. It provides a systematic approach to enhance the practitioner’s receptivity.

Insight and Mindfulness

When Primordial Sound is used as an anchor, it provides an internal reference for meditations. It helps practitioners move their focus away from mental fluctuations and distractions.

Many practitioners share that they can still hear the sound throughout the day. They find that it boosts their alertness, clarity, and overall mental sharpness, which makes it easier to bring the meditative feeling into their everyday lives.

Different Perspectives Across Cultures

Taoist Tradition

Taoist texts refer to Primordial Sound as the ‘Great Tone’ (Da Sheng, 大声). This concept is closely linked to Wu Wei (effortless action) and the Tao. The Great Tone is like an exceptional, all-around vibe that represents the beautiful balance and order found in everything that lives.

Buddhism: The Shurangama Sutra

In the Shurangama Sutra, Avalokiteshvara achieves enlightenment by focusing on a subtle inner sound, which the Buddha praises as the highest method.

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 (…)

This sound is portrayed as liberating and transformative, available to troubled beings and providing a route to inner peace and realization.

The Christian Book of Revelation

Christian scripture features numerous references to sound as a divine or creative force. The Gospel of John 1:1 opens with the well-known phrase:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The term “Word” (Greek: Logos) can be understood not just as a spoken language but as a primordial creative frequency—a vibrational principle through which all existence is formed. This interpretation aligns with the concept of Primordial Sound as a foundational, unstruck vibration underlying all creation.

A similar notion appears in Revelation 14, where the apostle John recounts a mystical auditory experience.

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.

Hindu Scriptures: Om and Nada Brahma

In Hindu philosophy, Primordial Sound is known as Nada Brahma (‘Sound is God’) or Om (Aum)—the most sacred syllable. Found in the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita, Om is regarded as the primordial vibration from which all creation emerges. It encompasses the past, present, and future.

Healing Aspects

Numerous healing traditions describe primordial sound as having profound therapeutic effects on the body, mind, and spirit. An increasing number of holistic systems acknowledge its potential to support physical regeneration, energetic realignment, emotional processing, and psychophysiological resilience.

Conclusion

While modern science has not yet fully examined this ancient wisdom, parallels with concepts in quantum physics, aeroacoustics, and somatic psychology suggest a fertile ground for interdisciplinary research. As both a philosophical archetype and a meditative focal point, Primordial Sound continues to encourage inquiry into the very structure of awareness, energy, and the universe itself.

 

Also published in The Taoist Online Magazine.