Since ancient times, singing bowls have been used in the East for meditation and sound healing. In their origin, they are akin to a bell, their other names are Himalayan bowls, rin or suzu. Unlike other tools of this kind, they are not fixed in any way and when used freely stand on the hand. At the same time, sounds that appear from Tibetan bowls are difficult to compare with anything else: they are unique in their kind and have a healing effect for the body and soul. Let's consider in more detail how to use the singing bowl and how to choose it correctly.
What are singing bowls for?
This is not just a tool, it has a much deeper meaning than just receiving sounds for pleasure. The singing bowls of Tibet have a beneficial effect on the human body, helping to correct many chronic diseases and psychological disorders, they are used in spiritual practices, during meditation. Here is a short list of the beneficial properties of the sound vibrations of Himalayan bowls:
- getting rid of manifestations of neurosis, depression, normalization of the emotional background;
- beneficial effect on blood pressure;
- improving the general condition of the body: normalizing metabolism, getting rid of asthenia and weakness, regulating the menstrual cycle in women;
- with bowl massage: muscle relaxation, elimination of spasms;
- at the level of subtle energy - the ability to bring the chakra to balance, regulate the body’s internal energy flows.
To understand how to use the singing bowls, we will analyze in more detail what they are and how they work.
Legends of Singing Bowls
One of the versions of the origin of Tibetan bowls says that earlier wandering monks wandered around the world, who carried with them metal ware for alms, where good people put money, rice and vegetables. Each such alms was to be met with great gratitude and prayer. Through this gratitude, they achieved enlightenment and love for the world around them. And the sound, which later began to be extracted from metal bowls, is considered a symbol of spiritual unity with all living things.
The second legend, mystical, says that in ancient times, Tibetan lamas could in trance communicate with powerful spirits that gave people knowledge of a sacred object in the shape of a bowl that would allow them to communicate with higher beings and achieve enlightenment. The spirits called seven metals from which it was possible to make a cup, but the received instruments did not cause a connection with the Cosmos, then the monks again sent their spirits their prayers. In response, a meteor shower fell over Mount Kailash, and the llamas guessed to use meteor iron in the alloy - this is how real magical bowls appeared.
Tool description
The Tibetan singing bowl looks like a deep bowl or plate made of metal. They always come with a special wooden stick, similar to a pestle or mallet, which is necessary in order to receive sound vibrations.
Previously, bowls were made of bronze with an admixture of noble metals and alloys - this had a beneficial effect on their sound, while the manufacturing process was completely carried out manually. When using the singing bowls made today, you can pay attention that the sound quality is not as deep as that of instruments made in the old days, but at the same time they do not lose their positive properties.
There is a tradition of putting sacred Buddhist symbols on bowls, such as the Om sign, Sanskrit mantras and others.
The size of the bowl can be from 10 centimeters to a meter or more. The larger it is, the lower the sound produced. On sale, you can often find small or medium sized bowls.
Types of singing bowls
Tibetan bowls can be divided into three main groups, each of which has its own characteristics and signs.
The first includes forged bowls. They are performed according to traditional technology, and, learning how to use the singing bowl, it is best to try to get just such a variety. Their energy is much stronger, and the positive effect can be noticed quickly.
Cast bowls are also considered traditional. They are cast using the same technology as the bells. The quality of such bowls directly depends on the alloy from which they are made. In this way, most modern souvenir bowls are made, which can be purchased in stores. However, such a prevalence of the cast method of manufacture does not mean that they lose in their qualities. Among such bowls you can find worthy specimens that can be used in healing and meditative practices.
A later, modernized variety of singing bowls is crystal. They are made from pressed rock crystal. Despite the fact that they make an interesting melodic sound, they are not used in traditional oriental practices.
How to choose the right bowl
If you decide that you want to thoroughly understand how to use the singing bowl, and decide to independently try the Eastern practices with its use, you need to get a personal tool. It is not recommended to rent a cup or borrow from someone - it’s important to get used to your first instrument, to feel its energy and allow to enter into harmony with your own energy field.
For beginners, a medium-sized bowl is best - about 20 centimeters. It is believed that playing it is most convenient. It is recommended to start with just this size, and then pick up the bowls depending on the desired timbre and emerging preferences - an understanding of such moments will come with practice.
Choosing a bowl is best in a store where you can independently test it, hear the sound, hold it in your hands. Do not look in online stores - the result may be disappointing.
When buying a singing bowl, be sure to find out what material it is made of. Most traditional bowls are made of copper, it’s a great luck to find an instrument made of an alloy with precious metals - however, such bowls are much more expensive.
When buying, it is better to give preference to products made in Nepal, it is from there that most quality bowls come from. Souvenir tools made in Europe or China should not be used; sound quality may be poor.
How to use a bowl
So, you have acquired a tool that completely suits you with the timbre of sound and attracts you externally. It's time to figure out how to use the singing cup.
First you need to properly pick it up. To do this, stretch your left hand palm up, put the bowl on it. Fingers should not touch the walls of the instrument. Nothing should interfere with sound extraction, the walls should vibrate freely. If you take the bowl by the wall, then it will not make sounds.
Take the stick resonator in the other hand. Please note that it must be suitable in size: usually the necessary resonator is supplied with the bowl. These are two components of one tool, which should be tuned to each other.
Firmly holding the resonator by the handle, relaxing your wrist, you need to easily hit the edge of the bowl and begin to move the stick along the edge of the instrument. The resonator needs to be held parallel to the edge, it is not necessary to strike hard against the instrument, but a weak blow will not bring any effect: over time, it will be possible to develop the necessary impact force, with which it will be possible to produce a clean and beautiful sound.
While analyzing how to use the Tibetan singing bowl, one cannot but pay attention to one of the aspects. You can extract sound by a short blow on the edge of the rim and listen to the attenuation of the wave, or you can drive the resonator along the rim, causing a long, drawn out and immersing sound into the depths of meditative contemplation.
By changing the angle of the stick and the pressure, you can extract sounds of various severity and intensity, create harmonious combinations.
Space cleansing
The use of Tibetan singing bowls is often practiced to cleanse the space: it is believed that such a sound cleans the energy in the house, improves the mood and well-being of those who live in it, creates protection from negative influences from the outside.
In order to clean the house with the positive vibrations of the instrument, they alternately go around all the corners of the house, playing on the singing bowl. You should go slowly and pay close attention to the sound quality - if somewhere it becomes quiet and dull, you need to pay more attention to this place, there can be a stagnation of negative energy. You can put a container of salt water there or light a scented candle.
When moving from room to room, you need to hit the cavity three times with the resonator on the side of the bowl. Be sure to ensure that the sound does not stop all the time that the room is being cleaned.
Cup meditation
Another important option to understand how to use the singing cup is meditation. This process helps to restore mental strength, find balance and know yourself.
Step by step meditation:
- Find a secluded, peaceful place where no one will disturb you.
- Sit on your knees or in the lotus position, take the cup in your hands, close your eyes.
- Start playing slowly on the bowl, listening intently to the sound. It is imperative that the vibrations of sound completely occupy the mind; you must not allow thoughts to be distracted by anything.
- At the end of meditation, you can chant your favorite mantras.
The duration of meditation in the first sessions is 10-15 minutes, then you need to learn to hold your attention on the sound of the bowl longer and longer. As auxiliary means, you can use incense or essential oils that help to concentrate (fragrances of incense, lavender, myrrh are recommended).
Usage Reviews
Most of those who used to use the singing bowls in their spiritual and everyday practice positively describe this instrument, noting the interesting spiritual experience that was discovered after such exercises.
Also, those who had a chance to try a massage using amazing sound vibrations respond very positively about bowls.
Especially a lot of positive feedback comes from those who bought bowls directly in Nepal or found instruments made in this country - it is believed that they produce the most perfect sound.
Tibetan singing bowls - a mysterious and unique instrument. With their help, you can plunge into the interesting world of self-knowledge, meditation and purification of the soul.