Meditation Frequency

What Is The Best Frequency For Meditation?

The frequency of a sound is a measure of how many times a sound wave repeats in one second, expressed in Hertz (Hz). This concept is fundamental in acoustics and the physics of sound. In Daimoku meditation,  sound frequency could play a special role.

In this practice, specific sounds, such as the mantra "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo," are recited repeatedly. These sounds, beyond frequency, influence the meditative experience by acting on brain waves and promoting a highly energized state of coherence, energy and concentration. 

In this article we will explore the ways in which sound can be generated in the context of meditation and see the influence frequencies have on our brain, according to science, and on our meditation experience, according to Daimoku Mantra Meditation.

At the end we will try to find out if there is the best frequency for meditation, trying to answer the question that many practitioners ask about the exact frequency expressed in Hertz: Is there the best frequency for meditation? Is it 528hz or 432h?

Let's go find out.

Sounds in Daimoku meditation

In Daimoku meditation practice, typical of Nichiren Buddhism, the main focus is on the recitation of the mantra "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo”.

However, beyond mantra recitation, other elements could also be used to enrich the meditative practice, although these are not as central as in the case of other Buddhist traditions.

In addition to Daimoku recitation, there is a practice called Gongyo that consists of reciting portions of the Lotus Sutra, one of the key texts in Nichiren Buddhism. This recitation is not accompanied by musical instruments, but is a verbal ritual.

Although these are not typical practices according to the tradition propagated by the Japanese Buddhist monk Nichiren, meditation can be punctuated by Tibetan bells, especially when done in company, or be accompanied by music. But we would like to point out that neither music nor Tibetan bells play an important role in Daimoku meditation. 

So we can conclude by clarifying again that the sounds that accompany Daimoku meditation are traditionally and exclusively verbal.

Therefore, from now on, when we talk about meditation frequency related to Daimoku meditation, we will refer to sounds that come from our own voice and those of people who eventually accompany us during meditation.

What science says

According to cross-sectional studies between sound physics and neurology, different vocal frequencies have distinct impacts on the human brain, influencing emotional, psychological and neurological responses. 

Lower tones can evoke feelings of calm, while higher frequencies tend to stimulate or alarm, thus affecting mood and attention. Studies in music therapy and neuroscience suggest that listening to certain frequencies can alter brain waves, affecting the state of consciousness and potentially offering therapeutic benefits. 

These effects, however, vary greatly among individuals due to personal, cultural and sensory processing differences, making the reaction to specific frequencies a highly individual experience.

What frequency is best for meditation? 528hz or 432hz?

When we speak, chant or recite a mantra, our voice touches frequencies. The actual frequency perceived will depend on how the voice is modulated during speech, chanting or recitation. A verbal sound at 432hz or 528hz corresponds to a specific pitch in the voice, similar to a musical note: 432hz is close to the note A below middle C on the piano, while 528hz is closer to a C that is a little higher on the musical scale.

A 432 Hz sound might be perceived as warmer or more natural by some people, while a 528 Hz sound might be considered clearer or brighter. 

However, we still specify that these considerations may be subjective, as is the frequency suitable for each person.

On the one hand, it would be very fascinating to possess an almost magical solution residing in sound to bring our brain to certain states of consciousness. It would be nice if there were the best frequency for meditation. 

But it is even more beautiful, from a certain point of view touching because of the mercy and respect we bear toward our venerable individuality, that instead the best frequency for meditation is the one that suits our experience, our body and our perceptions.

Everyone has his or her own path and there is no better one.