What is Zen music?
The philosophy of Zen Music originates from Venerable Master Shi Wule, an enlightened master and the 45th-generation lineage holder of the Linji School of Zen Buddhism. Venerable Master Shi Wule was the first in history to advocate the use of music as a means of spiritual practice and Dharma propagation—an innovative yet deeply rooted continuation of Zen tradition in the modern era.
At its core, Zen Music embodies the essence of Zen and meditation. Zen practice seeks to discover and maintain a state of inner goodness, tranquility, and profound concentration. This state not only facilitates personal enlightenment but also, when expressed through performance, inspires audiences to embrace peace and kindness, allowing them to experience the joy and relaxation of Zen’s bliss. Through its accessible and uplifting approach, Zen Music introduces audiences to Buddhism while enabling them to benefit from its teachings.
The artistic principle of Zen Music emphasizes authentic self-expression—conveying one’s own thoughts, emotions, and experiences—rather than assuming roles as professional performers would.
The primary vehicle for Zen Music is the Wule Symphony Orchestra (formerly known as the Jinghui Guangxuan Symphony Orchestra). In performance, Zen Music monastics express their refined elegance, transcendent purity, and spiritual devotion through body language, voice, and music, showcasing their unique and captivating qualities.
Music as Spiritual Practice
Practicing through music reflects the unity of music and Dharma. Through instrumental training, vocal cultivation, and physical discipline, monastics harmonize their inner and outer selves, engaging in both meditation and artistic refinement. In the world of Zen Music, success and failure, friends and foes, all reside within oneself—there are no external adversaries. Born from peace, Zen Music exists to manifest the boundless compassion of Zen Buddhism.
