This Dharma Thought on Sound Meditation is offered by Steve Allison-Bunnell of Joining Rivers Sangha.
Silent meditation is so central to Zen practice that it’s easy to forget that several other traditions use sound, from bells to mantras, as an object of contemplation. So it was a beautiful gift to experience the Summer Solstice Soundgate practice, featuring crystal bowls, bells, an enormous gong, chimes, and a glass triangle. As the sound penetrated my entire body, my intuitive mind began to associate the sounds with different aspects of consciousness. Rattling shells became the skittering thoughts of monkey mind, allowing me to smile at them. Shimmering chimes became a portal to memory, and numerous moments, some long-ago, others recent, some still filled with shame, others with joy, paraded across my mental movie screen. The harmonizing crystal bowls were so quieting that I sat motionless for almost 40 minutes, possibly a new personal record. How does sound help you meditate? What sounds evoke certain feelings and images for you?
SoundGate
Our next SoundGate (Sound Meditation program) will be Friday, July 26 at 7pm and will feature Brian Sparks and Kathleen Karlsen.
Kathleen is a mantra practitioner, kirtan leader, composer, and artist focused on the transformative power of the arts. She has three levels of training from the Kirtan Leadership Institute. Kathleen has led regular kirtans, mantra events, and workshops for the last six years. She joins us for an hour of Buddhist chants to the sacred sounds of the harmonium.
Brian received his spiritual teaching from several masters in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. His teachers blessed his bowl work by giving him the specific “Prayer of Aspiration” and granted him many Buddhist empowerments. In person only. No registration necessary. Donations gratefully accepted.
Chants will be provided for those who would like to chant in unison — this is an evening where your voice is welcome!
More about Kathleen can be found on her website here.