# Voice, the Buddha’s

Source: https://buddhisma2z.com/voice-the-buddhas/  
Author: Bhante S. Dhammika, *Guide To Buddhism A To Z*  
Licence: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

The voice (*ghosa*) is the sound made through the mouth while speaking or singing. The sound of the voice is intimately connected with one’s physical and psychological state. Anxiety or excitement can produce a high-pitched, rapidly fluctuating voice. [**Anger**](https://buddhisma2z.com/anger/), fear or depression can produce a strangled, shrieking sound or alternatively a low, threatening one. The [**Buddha**](https://buddhisma2z.com/buddha/) had a particularly beautiful voice which reflected his deep inner stillness and warm [**compassion**](https://buddhisma2z.com/compassion/) and this must have made his talks even more appealing. It is said to have had eight characteristics; it was distinct (*vissaṭṭha*) and clear (*viññeyya*), sweet (*mañju*) and pleasant (*savanīya*), well-rounded (*bindu*) and flowing (*avisāri*), deep (*gambhīra*) and sonorous (*ninnādi*). One observer noticed that after the Buddha’s talks were over the audience would get up and leave reluctantly, keeping their eyes on him (M.II,140).

Subjects: The Buddha