VOICE, THE BUDDHA'S - A Guide to Buddhism A to Z

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, jabbing or rapidly fluctuating voice. Anger, fear or depression can produce a strangled shrieking sound or alternatively a low threatening one. The Buddha had a particularly beautiful voice which reflected his deep inner stillness and warm compassion and this must have made his talks even more convincing. It is said to have had eight characteristics; it was distinct (vissaṭṭha) and clear (viṭṭeyya), sweet (maṭju) and pleasant (savanīya), well-rounded (bindu) and flowing (avisāri), deep (gambhīra) and sonorous (niddādi). 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).