Here is the Buddha Machine (courtesy of boing boing).

Buddha Machine

In short its a cheap(ish) little plastic device resembling a transistor radio that plays music the way the buddha would want to hear it.
It consists of a speaker, some wires and some coloured electronic bits that play an endless loop of 42 sounds of varying lengths.
These sounds[1] are (apparently) based on the bell/voice sounds used by Zen buddhist monks during meditation.
It’s a little machine that produces a neverending stream of mindful music for your surroundings or contemplation.

The buddha machine is the creation of Chino-European experimental musicians FM3.

FM3

PopMatters sez:

At its heart[...] the Buddha Machine is actually a counterargument to the onset of the downloading age.

This is an astute observation – it’s appeal has less to do with what it actually produces and more to do with its limitations.
It can only play those 42 sounds and only in loops, there are no downloads or upgrades, expansion slots or skins.

Yes, it’s a novelty and is all kung fu and retro, but I think the intention of its creators in producing it is the interesting part.
And while it is soon[2] to feature in every trendy loft appartment it still remains nothing more than a flakey little devices that buzzes when you turn the volume up.

I don’t think I want one[3], but I sure am envious of FM3 for having thought of it first – very un-zen of me.

Plastic Fantastic

All of the sounds loaded onto the machine are available for download and are really quite beautiful.
There is also a video interview with FM3 where they discuss the machine.

[1] aka drones
[2] probably already
[3] I’m far too aloof to go for such mass media hype