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The Ancient Future of Sound: A Journey Back to Our Roots

Marije Van Neck

Sound has been a part of human existence since the dawn of time. Long before the written word or complex tools, there was vibration. The first sound, the sound of OM, is said to be the primordial vibration that sparked the creation of the universe—a frequency that continues to resonate within all of us.


Yet, despite sound's profound and ancient roots, we are only now beginning to rediscover its power. As my Master of Sound often says, “Sound healing hasn’t begun yet; we are just at the beginning of it.”



a collection of ancient singing bowls
a collection of ancient singing bowls

Singing Bowls: A Multifaceted History


Singing bowls, which are now often associated with meditation and sound work, have a fascinating history that extends far beyond their current use. In ancient times, these bowls were primarily functional objects used for eating and cooking.

Each bowl was crafted from a unique combination of metals—sometimes up to seven or more, including gold, silver, tin, lead, zinc, copper, and iron. These metals contained essential minerals that were absorbed into the food, enriching it with nutrients vital for the body. The bowls served a dual purpose: as vessels for sustenance and as a subtle way to maintain health.


By contrast, the materials we use for cooking and eating today—such as plastics or processed metals—often lack this nourishing quality. The simplicity and wisdom of using these mineral-rich bowls remind us of a time when our relationship with food and materials was far more harmonious with nature.


The Ancient Wisdom of Sound


While their everyday use was practical, the bowls were also revered for their sonic qualities. The resonance of a singing bowl, when struck or played, carries a unique vibrational frequency that can deeply affect the mind and body. Ancient traditions recognized this power and used the bowls and gongs in spiritual practices, ceremonies, and healing rituals.

But singing bowls were not unique in their connection to sound.


Throughout history, cultures across the world have harnessed sound for transformation and connection:


  • In ancient Egypt, specific frequencies were used in the pyramids, potentially to create harmony or altered states of consciousness.

  • Indigenous peoples employed drums, flutes, and chants to align the individual with the rhythms of the earth and spirit.

  • The sound of OM in Vedic traditions is still revered as the vibration of creation, representing the essence of the universe.


These practices remind us that sound has always been more than an external experience. It resonates deeply within, connecting us to the essence of life itself.


A Quiet Disappearance


Over the centuries, much of this wisdom was lost. Modernity brought technological advances and new materials, but in the process, we drifted away from ancient practices that honored the connection between body, sound, and nature. Singing bowls, once both practical and spiritual, faded into obscurity—until recently.


A Reawakening


Just 40 or 50 years ago, singing bowls and gongs began to re-emerge, especially in the West. No longer used for cooking or eating, they found new life in meditation, sound baths, and vibrational therapy. Their tones, rich and layered, quickly gained attention for their ability to calm the mind, relax the body, and create a profound sense of peace.

This reawakening is just the beginning. As my Master of Sound says, we are only starting to understand the full potential of sound. What was once seen as a spiritual practice or cultural tradition is now being studied for its scientific and therapeutic benefits, offering endless possibilities for the future.


The Future of Sound


Today, science is beginning to validate what ancient cultures always knew: sound has the power to heal and transform. Studies on frequency healing, brainwave entrainment, and vibrational therapy are opening doors to a deeper understanding of how sound interacts with the body and mind.

But beyond the science, sound’s resurgence represents something more profound—a yearning to reconnect with ourselves, each other, and the natural world. The ancient practices of using singing bowls for nourishment and sound for balance remind us of a time when life was more attuned to the rhythms of the earth.


An Invitation


As we rediscover the power of sound, we’re not just looking forward; we’re reaching back to something ancient and sacred. Every tone and vibration from a gong or singing bowl carries echoes of a time when sound was central to our way of life—whether it was in the food we ate, the rituals we practiced, or the healing we sought.


So, the next time you hear the hum of a gong or the shimmering tones of a singing bowl, let it remind you of this truth: we are part of a vibration that is timeless, and we are just beginning to understand its full potential.


It’s an honor to be part of this journey, rediscovering sound not just as a tool but as a bridge to something greater. We are standing at the dawn of a new chapter, and what a beautiful beginning it is! 


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