Music For Zen Meditation And Relaxation

Music for Zen meditation comes in many different packages distributed by many so-called self-help gurus. Traditionally in Japan, meditation practices such as Zen meditation and Shingon’s “Ajikan” are done in solitude, building concentration. I do however believe in the healing and awakening powers of music and sound. For me personally, the right music can foster an atmosphere conducive to meditation.

There are many CDs out there with music for Zen meditation that are very ambient and heavily synthesizer laden. For some people this type of music may be very satisfying. But what better way is there to create the mood than with an actual instrument that was used by Zen monks as a form of attaining enlightenment?

The Fuke sect of the Rinzai Zen school used the shakuhachi, the Japanese bamboo flute, from the Edo period in Japan as a Buddhist tool. They created a whole repertoire of pieces to aid them in their meditation and enlightenment. There is even a Zen saying of “Ichi-On-Jo-Butsu”, or “Enlightenment Through One Sound.” The sounds of the shakuhachi can bring you to a place where you can calm your mind and see things a little bit clearer.

Meditational CD Recommendation

In Japan, various temples, Reiki healing practitioners, and Yoga schools have been using my solo CD “Mahoroba” in their practices of meditation, healing, and spirituality. I created this music with Nara and a Utopia (Mahoroba) as the underlying theme of this CD. The relaxing and slow paced atmosphere in the birthplace of Japan (Yamato, or Nara) has influenced this music and allows its listeners to enter a state of “ concentrated relaxation.” The subtle tempo changes and melodies will keep you coming back to the music without letting yourself drift too far. Of course if drifting is your goal, feel free to let this music take you on your own journey of the imagination.

I recommend the following deep meditation system which also incorporates music into its methods of synchronizing brainwaves.

Click Here! for a great CD set or downloadable mp3 series of music and sounds for Deep Zen Meditation. They have taken a very scientific approach to helping you reach your desired state of calmness and clarity.

I have performed both traditional Zen pieces and original pieces for various spiritually oriented groups and one of the comments that I receive about this type of music is that, unlike other instruments, even on the CD there is a very human and natural quality to the bamboo sound. There is no circular breathing or endless tones, so you can subtly hear the deep breathing and and reflect upon the Ma, or the silence between the sounds, something that is very important in many Japanese Zen arts. Let the serene sounds of the shakuhachi be your music for Zen meditation and yoga, as well as relaxation, inspiration, and creativity.

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