Singing Bowls, Tibetan and Himalayan
By Andy Hag
A singing bowl is such a simple device that has amazing properties. One on the most interesting tidbits is that they are actually considered standing bells. They are used in many ways and by many people around the world. They produce harmonies that invoke a deep state of relaxation and assists one into a meditative state. They are such a valuable aid to meditation that no Buddhist temple, monastery or private altar is complete without one. The use of the singing bowl allows one to tune into the sound of the universe from within and without.
They have uses outside of meditation as well. They are great for deep relaxation, Personal well being, stress reduction, sound healing, chakra balancing, and many forms of holistic healing. Reiki Masters often use the bowls during their workings. The rich blend of harmonics have a pleasant effect on all the Chakras. There is a centering effect that helps to balance the right brain and left brain.
Singing bowls are know throughout the world in various forms and names. Besides the most common Tibetan Singing bowl, they are called Himalayan Bowls, Rin Gongs and Suzu gongs. Singing bowls are played by striking the rim of the bowl with a padded mallet. They can also be played by rubbing a mallet around the rim of the bowl to draw forth harmonic overtones and a continuous 'singing' sound.
They have uses outside of meditation as well. They are great for deep relaxation, Personal well being, stress reduction, sound healing, chakra balancing, and many forms of holistic healing. Reiki Masters often use the bowls during their workings. The rich blend of harmonics have a pleasant effect on all the Chakras. There is a centering effect that helps to balance the right brain and left brain.
Singing bowls are know throughout the world in various forms and names. Besides the most common Tibetan Singing bowl, they are called Himalayan Bowls, Rin Gongs and Suzu gongs. Singing bowls are played by striking the rim of the bowl with a padded mallet. They can also be played by rubbing a mallet around the rim of the bowl to draw forth harmonic overtones and a continuous 'singing' sound.
History
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Tibetan Singing (Himalayan Bowls )bowls origins are a bit shrouded in mystery. There is no written mention of them until modern times. There is evidence of them in art as far back to about the 8th century. A form of singing bowl was attributed to the Shamanic Bon traditions of pre Buddhist Tibet. They are also traditionally attributed to time of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni (560 - 480 B.C.). The tradition was brought from India to Tibet, along with the teachings of the Buddha, by the great tantric master Padmasambhava in the 8th century A.D. Metallurgical analysis of traditional bowls have varied. A Concordia University in Quebec detected an eight metal alloy of predominantly Copper and Tin. There were trace amounts of Iron, lead, zinc, gold, silver and mercury in the sample as well. Some bowls are said to be made of Sky metal, which is believed to be meteorite iron. The various masters of yore had their own individual metallic recipe so no two antique bowls will be the exact same metal alloy. Current day bowls are often made from these recipes but without the toxic metals. |
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Bowl Healing
There are numerous sound healing systems in use around the world. The scope of which is way beyond the scope of this article. For simplicity sake we are using the Western sound healing system based on the Vedic Scale. For the Chakras the notes are as follows:
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1st Chakra - C 528 Hz 2nd Chakra - D 285 Hz 3rd Chakra - E 639 Hz 4th Chakra - F 174 Hz 5th chakra - G 396 Hz 6th Chakra - A 852 Hz 7th Chakra - B 963 Hz |
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Selecting your Bowl
When you are ready to find your bowl do not become too wrapped up in notes, harmonics and frequencies. You just have to set into your mind what you want your bowl for and then proceed. To select your bowl the most important aspect is to listen with your heart as well and your mind and ears. Close your eyes and relax and listen to the bowl. Take your time and feel the sounds throughout your body. Note what they make you feel and where in your body you feel them. Listen to the next bowl and compare your feelings to the first. This will allow you to experience which bowls are in harmony with your inner self. You will know your bowl when you hear it.
If for some reason you are unable to hear a bowl prior to purchase, you can trust in the universe to know what you need and bring it to you. Again place your intent in your mind when you pursue the bowls online. Try not to get into the price or pay attention to all the externals around the listing. Look at the bowl, clear your mind and try to feel the bowl. You and the universe will get together and you will find a bowl that feels right. Trust your gut feeling.
We at Metaphysics “ A Spirited Space “ will do all we can to assist you either in person or via the web. Namaste.