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 instruments of this kind, they are not fixed in any way and, when used, stand freely on the hand. At the same time, the sounds that appear from the 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 take a closer look at how to use the singing bowl and how to choose the right one.
What singing bowls are for
This is not just an instrument, it has a much deeper meaning than just making sounds for fun. 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 useful properties of sound vibrationsHimalayan bowls:
- getting rid of manifestations of neurosis, depression, normalization of the emotional background;
- beneficial effect on blood pressure;
- improvement of the general condition of the body: normalization of metabolism, getting rid of asthenia and weakness, regulation of the menstrual cycle in women;
- when massaging with bowls: muscle relaxation, elimination of spasms;
- at the level of subtle energy - the ability to balance the chakra, regulate the flows of the internal energy of the body.
To understand how to use singing bowls, let's take a closer look at 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 roamed the world, who carried metal alms dishes with them, where good people put money, rice and vegetables. Each such alms had 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 communicate with powerful spirits in a trance, which gave people knowledge about a sacred object in the form of a bowl, which would allow them to communicate with higher beings and achieve enlightenment. The spirits named seven metals from which it was possible to make a bowl, but the resulting tools did not cause a connection withCosmos, then the monks again sent their prayers to the spirits. In response, a meteor shower occurred over Mount Kailash, and the lamas guessed to use meteoric iron in an alloy - this is how real magic 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 precious metals and alloys - this had a beneficial effect on their sound, while the manufacturing process was completely carried out by hand. When using singing bowls made today, you can notice that the sound quality is not as deep as the instruments made in the old days, but 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 most often you can find bowls of small or medium size.
Types of singing bowls
Tibetan bowls can be divided into three main groups, each with its own characteristics and characteristics.
The first includes forged bowls. They are performed according to traditional technology, and by learning how to use the singingbowl, it is best to try to acquire just such a variety. Their energy is much stronger, and the positive effect can be noticed quickly.
Casted 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. Most modern souvenir bowls that can be purchased in stores are made in this way. However, such a prevalence of the cast manufacturing method does not mean that they lose their qualities. Among these bowls, you can find worthy specimens that can be used in healing and meditative practices.
Later, modernized variety of singing bowls - 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 a singing bowl, and decide to try out oriental practices using it yourself, you need to get a personal instrument. It is not recommended to rent a bowl or borrow from someone - it is important to get used to your first instrument, feel its energy and allow you to enter into harmony with your own energy field.
For beginners, a medium-sized bowl is best - about 20 centimeters. It is believed that it is most convenient to play on it. It is recommended to start withthis size, and then choose bowls depending on the desired tone and preferences that arise - understanding of such moments will come with practice.
It is best to choose a bowl in a store where you can test it yourself, 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 good 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, this is where most quality bowls come from. Souvenir instruments made in Europe or China should not be used, the sound quality may be poor.
How to use the bowl
So, you have purchased an instrument that completely suits you with the timbre of sound and attracts you externally. Time to figure out how to use the singing bowl.
First you need to properly pick it up. To do this, stretch your left hand palm up, put a bowl on it. Fingers should not touch the walls of the instrument. Nothing should interfere with the extraction of sound, the walls should vibrate freely. If you take the bowl by the wall, it will not make sounds.
Take the resonator stick in your other hand. Please note that it must be the correct size: the required resonator is usually supplied with the bowl. These are two components of oneinstrument to be tuned to each other.
Holding the resonator firmly by the handle, relaxing your wrist, you need to lightly hit the edge of the bowl and start moving the stick along the edge of the instrument. The resonator must be kept parallel to the edge, it is not necessary to hit the instrument hard, but even 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 clear and beautiful sound.
Deciphering how to use the Tibetan singing bowl, one cannot help but pay attention to one of the aspects. You can extract sound by a short blow on the edge of the side and listen to the wave attenuation, or you can drive the resonator around the rim, causing a long, drawn-out sound that plunges you into the depths of meditative contemplation.
By changing the angle of the stick and the pressing force, you can extract sounds of different severity and intensity, create harmonious combinations.
Cleansing space
Tibetan singing bowls are often used to purify space: it is believed that such a sound purifies the energy in the house, improves the mood and well-being of those who live in it, creates protection from negative influences from outside.
In order to cleanse the house with the positive vibrations of the instrument, one by one goes around all the corners of the house, playing the singing bowl. You should go slowly and pay close attention to the quality of the sound - if somewhere it becomes quiet and dull, you need to pay more attention to this place, stagnation of negative energy is possible there. You can put a container with s alt therewater or light a scented candle.
When moving from room to room, you need to hit the side of the bowl with the resonator three times. Be sure to make sure that the sound does not stop while the room is being cleaned.
Meditation with a bowl
Another important option to understand how to use the singing bowl is meditation. This process helps restore mental strength, find balance and know yourself.
Step Meditation:
- Find a secluded, quiet place where no one will disturb you.
- Sit on your knees or in the lotus position, take the bowl in your hands, close your eyes.
- Start playing the bowl slowly, listening intently to the sound. It is extremely important that the vibrations of sound completely occupy the consciousness, one should not allow thoughts to be distracted by anything.
- At the end of the meditation, you can sing your favorite mantras.
The duration of meditation during the first sessions is 10-15 minutes, then you need to learn to keep your attention on the sound of the bowl longer and longer. As an aid, you can use incense or essential oils to help focus (incense, lavender, myrrh are recommended).
Usage feedback
Most of those who have used singing bowls in their spiritual and daily practice positively describe this instrument, noting an interesting spiritual experience that opened up after such exercises.
Also, those who had a chance to try massage usingamazing sound vibrations.
Especially a lot of positive feedback comes from those who purchased bowls directly in Nepal or found instruments made in this country - they are considered to produce the most perfect sound.
Tibetan singing bowls are a mysterious and unique instrument. With their help, you can immerse yourself in the most interesting world of self-knowledge, meditation and purification of the soul.
