The Voice Of The Wind: A Taoist Meditation On Hearing God

This contemplative meditation draws from the fourth century BCE Taoist master Chuang Tzu, as retold by Thomas Merton. Through the ancient parable of wind moving through ten thousand holes in the earth, we listen to nature’s voice—a symphony of mooing, roaring, and whistling that emerges when the invisible breath of life moves through all things.

The voice of the wind becomes a powerful metaphor for the higher power many seek in recovery and spiritual practice: an unseen presence speaking through us, singing the music of our lives. What is it that blows through these ten thousand holes? This teaching invites you to rest in stillness, to listen deeply, and to surrender to the mysterious power whose voice awakens all beings.

Perfect for those seeking presence, peace, and connection to something greater than themselves.

Music by Eric Fischer and Christopher Lloyd Clarke.

Audio by Eric Fischer.

Transcript

Hello friends, Today I am sharing a meditation from the 4th century BCE Taoist master Zhuangzi, As retold by Thomas Merton. It's called The Breath of Nature. When great nature sighs, We hear the winds, Which, Noiseless in themselves, Awaken voices from other beings blowing on them. From every opening, Loud voices sound. Have you not heard this rush of tones? There stands the overhanging wood on the steep mountain, Old trees with holes and cracks like snouts, Maws, And ears, Like beam sockets, Like goblets. Grooves in the wood, Hollows full of water. You hear mooing and roaring, Whistling, Shouts of command, Grumblings, Deep drones, Sad flutes, One call awakens another in dialogue. Gentle winds sing timidly, Strong ones blast on without restraint. Then the wind dies down, The openings empty out their last sound. Have you not observed how all then trembles and subsides? You replied, I understand. The music of earth sings through a thousand holes. The music of humans is made on flutes and instruments. What makes the music of heaven? Master Key said, Something is blowing on a thousand different holes. Some power stands behind all this and makes the sound die down. What is this power?

Reviews

Soothing, grounding, a reminder of the magical natural world. And to be from so long ago! Thank you!

I really liked this idea. The music was delicious. Ty for this meditation

I like this meditation that is short taking my mind back to settle stop let it be look at and reflect the meaning of a pause. Thankyou I am enjoying this series with the ocean blow holes thankyou.