The Best Way to Select the Right Tibetan Singing Bowl

The Best Way to Select the Right Tibetan Singing Bowl

Coming from a religious Buddhist family, I'd been seeing these 'bowls' around since quite a time. However it never appealed to me. To me, it was always just a decorative piece my grandmother adorned. One afternoon I was taking some Chinese friends of my father out for a visit to Boudhanath. One of them entered a shop and called me along to help her pick one. The shopkeeper explained to us how one bowl was different from another. The bowls were called by several names, prayer bowls, meditation bowl, yoga bowls, standing bowls, resting bowls etc. I was fascinated and amazed by the varieties that existed. What had seemed like a simple choice among designs of bowls, was now about tones, pitches, material, purpose and origin. We bought one that day and I returned home to my grandmother to understand her attachment towards these Tibetan Singing Bowl.

Surprised at my curiosity and yet excited to share her thoughts my grandmother reached over to get her bowl. She then asked me to pay very close attention to the sound next. she rubbed a wooden stick around the edges and it produced a long resonating lingering sound that slowly grew louder and louder as it was rubbed. She explained how the sound and vibration that flowed through the bowl had healing properties. The satisfaction that she felt while playing it reflected clear on her face. It was a kind of recreational healing therapy for her.

Upon further research I discovered varieties of singing bowls ranging from Handmade Singing Bowl, machine made singing bowls, crystal singing bowls, antique singing bowls, chakra singing bowls and so on. The uses and purposes of the bowls varied too. While some were used for meditation, others were used for storage of grains, music and some were simply collected as antiques. However the most noted quality of the bowl was definitely the soothing sound it created. Next I wondered how do you choose and use a singing bowl?

The best way to select the right singing bowl is to decide what you’re going to use your bowl for and determine the amount you’re willing to spend on it. Each bowl is uniquely crafted and varies in design, weight and sound. The prices of the bowls will differ according to the type of bowl you choose. You can get both cheap singing bowls as well as exquisite collector’s pieces in the market. To make your bowls more special you can add accessories such as cushion, drawstring bag, lokta paper boxes, strikers, mallets and rollers too. However be sure your vendor is a genuine seller before you make a final decision to make sure you get the best value for your product.

How to use/play singing bowl

You can make the singing bowls sing or use it with two techniques. You can either gently hit/strike the bowl or ring it by running the striker against the outer rim of the bowl.

To play the bowl by striking it: (steps)

• Place bowl on the cushion or palm, make sure your fingers do not touch it on any sides.
• Hold the striker and gently swing it and strike it near the upper edge.
• Try it out in different environments and location.

To play the bowl by ringing it: (steps)

• Hold the striker against the upper edges (rims) of the singing bowl and slowly run it around with even pressure.
• Try it by changing the position of the striker and speed to discover the variance in the sound.

Multiple health benefits of using a singing bowl

Singing bowls create a pulsation of sound to entrain our brain. They can aid in correcting chakras. The sound, vibrations and frequencies produced by it can help maintain unbalanced chakras and bringing them back to normal functioning. The vibrations also reduce stress, anxiety, helps control blood pressure, and improve blood circulation and flow. It stimulates the immune system, fibromyalgia and psoriasis in individuals that meditate. It helps us relax, while also increasing mental and emotional clarity. For individuals who use it regularly, it promotes stillness, happiness and well being too.

Cleaning and Caring of a Singing Bowl

Your singing bowl needs to be timely cleaned, to maintain its sonic sparkle. To remove the caked dust and marks, use white vinegar and a soft cloth. Alternatively, you can also use lemon juice mixed with warm water and a soft cloth. Traditionally, some people in Nepal also use ashes mixed with mustard oil to clean the bowl. You can also use a mild, scratch-free brass polish if available. Ensure that your bowl is fully dried after cleaning.

To avoid scratches and damages, do not rub or grind the bowls on any hard surface. While traveling packs your bowls carefully and handles them with great care. Be very cautious about dropping it on the hard surface, as the bowl can break or get permanently damaged.

If you’ve visited Nepal, I’m sure you’ve noticed these hollow musical items at popular tourist destinations like Boudhanath, Bhaktapur, Thamel, Lumbini or even Lakeside at Pokhara. The vendors probably must've even brought it to your nose. These unique and beautiful pieces are not just souvenirs from Nepal but can also be used to add aesthetic beauty to your homes and Contact genuine vendors and you’re sure to find the best deals!

Tibetan Singing Bowls have been used for centuries in meditation and sound healing practices. They are known for their rich, resonant tones that can help to alleviate stress and increase mindfulness. Choosing the right Tibetan Singing Bowl can significantly enhance your meditative and healing experiences. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of selecting the perfect bowl for your needs.

First, it's essential to understand that Tibetan Singing Bowls come in various sizes, shapes, and materials. The size of the bowl will affect the sound it produces. Larger bowls tend to produce deeper and more resonant tones, while smaller bowls produce higher-pitched sounds. When choosing a bowl, consider the type of sound you are looking for. Do you prefer a deep, grounding tone, or are you looking for a higher, more uplifting sound?

Next, consider the material of the bowl. Traditional Tibetan Singing Bowls are often made of a combination of different metals, including copper, tin, zinc, iron, silver, gold, and lead. Each metal adds a unique quality to the sound. For example, copper is known for producing warm, resonant tones, while silver can produce a more ethereal sound. Some modern bowls are also available in crystal, which offers a very different sonic experience.

The method used to create the bowl can also affect its sound. Hand-hammered bowls are made using traditional techniques and are usually more expensive than machine-made bowls. They often have a deeper, more complex sound. Machine-made bowls, on the other hand, offer more consistency in terms of size and tone.

When you are selecting a Tibetan Singing Bowl, it's crucial to try out several options before making a decision. Listen to the sound each bowl produces and see how it resonates with you. Some people prefer bowls with a long sustain, while others might prefer a quick, sharp tone. Pay attention to how the sound makes you feel. A bowl that resonates well with you will often produce a sense of calm and well-being.

Another important consideration is the bowl's weight and how it feels in your hands. You will be using the bowl during meditation or sound healing sessions, so it's essential that it is comfortable to hold and easy to play. Heavier bowls might be more challenging to maneuver, especially for beginners.

To summarize, choosing the right Tibetan Singing Bowls involves considering several factors, including size, material, crafting method, and personal resonance with the sound. By taking the time to explore these aspects, you can find a bowl that perfectly complements your meditation and sound healing practices. Tibetan Singing Bowls can bring a new dimension to your spiritual journey, helping you achieve a deeper state of relaxation and mindfulness.