Tibetan singing bowls - treatment or self-deception?

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 secured in any way and stand freely on the hand when used. At the same time, the 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 take a closer look at how to use a singing bowl and how to choose the right one.

What are singing bowls for?

This is not just an instrument, it has a much deeper meaning than just producing sounds for pleasure. Singing bowls of Tibet have a beneficial effect on the human body, helping to correct many chronic diseases and psychological disorders, and are used in spiritual practices and during meditation. Here is a short list of the beneficial properties of the sound vibrations of the Himalayan bowls:

• getting rid of manifestations of neurosis, depression, normalizing the emotional background;
• beneficial effect on blood pressure;
• improvement of the general condition of the body: normalization of metabolism, relief from asthenia and weakness, regulation of the menstrual cycle in women;
• when massaged with bowls: muscle relaxation, elimination of spasms;
• at the level of subtle energy - the ability to balance the chakra, regulate the flow of 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 the singing bowls

One of the versions of the origin of Tibetan bowls says that previously wandering monks wandered around the world, who carried with them metal alms dishes, where good people put money, rice and vegetables. Each such alms should have been 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, a mystical one, says that in ancient times Tibetan lamas could communicate in a trance with powerful spirits who gave people knowledge of a sacred object in the shape of a bowl, which would allow them to communicate with higher beings and achieve enlightenment. The spirits named seven metals from which the bowl could be made, but the resulting tools did not evoke a connection with the Cosmos, then the monks again sent their prayers to the spirits. In response, a meteor shower occurred over Mount Kailash, and the lamas decided to use meteorite iron in an alloy - this is how real magic bowls appeared.

Description of the tool

The Tibetan singing bowl looks like a deep bowl or plate made of metal. They always come complete 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, and the manufacturing process was completely done by hand. When using singing bowls made today, you may notice that the sound quality is not as deep as that of instruments made in the old days, but they do not lose their positive properties.

There is a tradition of putting sacred Buddhist symbols on the 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 most often find small or medium-sized bowls.

How to play?

To achieve the most effective sound of a singing bowl from Tibet, you need to know the rules of playing it. In fact, there is nothing complicated about this, because there are only two ways to extract sound.

Rim friction

In this variation, all you have to do is move a wooden stick along the edge of the bowl , causing multiple, repeating vibrations that produce multiple overtones. The sound that appears will resemble the buzzing of several bells at once, which will eventually merge into a single whole. It is in these interacting overtones that the uniqueness of singing bowls lies, because no other instrument in the world sounds like this.

Rubbing the bowl from the inside and outside activates the energy spiral and allows you to get a harmonious sound. Compare the sound in both versions.

Bell principle

The second method of influencing the bowl is based on the bell principle: supporting the bowl with your fingertips in the lower part, strikes with a stick along the outer edge of the product, which allows you to get long-lasting vibrations.

In any of the options, the key to a successful game is the position of the singing bowl . Most often, it is fixed on a small horizontal surface (the smaller it is, the more beautiful the sound will be), placed on a special pad, or held with fingers. Sliding the stick along the edges of the cup must be carried out continuously, otherwise the sound will also be interrupted. When you press the stick, the vibration increases, so it is very difficult to maintain one rhythm.

Types of singing bowls

Tibetan bowls can be divided into three main groups, each of which has its own characteristics and features.

The first category includes forged bowls. They are made using traditional technology, and when learning how to use a singing bowl, it is best to try to purchase 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 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 this way. However, such prevalence of the cast manufacturing method does not mean that they lose their qualities. Among such bowls you can find worthy specimens that can be used in healing and meditative practices.

A later, modernized type of singing bowls is crystal. They are made from pressed rock crystal. Despite the fact that they produce an interesting melodic sound, they are not used in traditional Eastern 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 Eastern practices using it yourself, you need to acquire a personal instrument. It is not recommended to rent a bowl or borrow it from someone - it is important to get used to your first instrument, feel its energy and allow it to come into harmony with your own energy field.

For beginners, a medium-sized bowl is best - about 20 centimeters. It is considered to be the most convenient to play on. It is recommended to start with this size, and then select bowls depending on the desired timbre and emerging preferences - an understanding of such points will come with practice.

It is best to choose a bowl in a store, where you can test it yourself, hear the sound, and hold it in your hands. You should not search in online stores - the result may be disappointing.

When purchasing a singing bowl, be sure to find out what material it is made of. Most traditional bowls are made of copper; you are lucky to find an instrument made from an alloy with precious metals - however, such bowls are much more expensive.

When purchasing, it is better to give preference to products made in Nepal; this is where most quality bowls come from. It is better not to use souvenir instruments made in Europe or China; the sound quality may be poor.

What would you consider when purchasing one or more singing bowls? This is important because a certain sound or vibration affects you in a certain way. Since each of us vibrates at a unique frequency, you can certainly find a bowl that has a frequency that is compatible with your own. When viewed on a physical level, the vibrations of the singing bowl resonate with your deepest internal vibrations and penetrate your bones, body fluids, and cells.

The thinner bodies of your aura - the etheric, astral, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies - also receive these vibrations and influence each other. You can feel these vibrations flowing through you and bringing goodness to you. Using your hearing, sensations and intuition, you can choose the right bowl for you. It's impossible to build a collection of singing bowls in one day, but you can build one over several months or years by constantly trying different bowls, sometimes getting rid of the ones you don't want, and always relying on your intuition.

After purchasing a singing bowl, whenever you want to play on it, make sure that you have solid contact with the ground, that both of your feet are on the ground, that your mind is open to perception. If you want to buy a bowl for someone else, try to concentrate as much as possible on your thoughts about that person and again trust your own intuition to tell you which bowl to choose. When you are given a cup as a gift, it is usually chosen with great care, and the intention and emotional message of the giver is associated with the gift itself.

What else should you pay attention to when choosing a singing bowl? The bowl must be of the correct shape, symmetrical and proportional. If there are symbols on the bowl, they must be applied carefully and correctly. Overall, you should like the bowl visually. Next, take it in your hands, feel its weight, carefully examine it from all sides for visible defects. These could be through cracks, through holes, metal peeling; you cannot buy such bowls, because... it is impossible to correct such defects, even if the bowl initially sounds pretty good.

The most important thing is the sound and vibration of the bowl. In essence, this is the same thing, but when we hit the bowl, at first we hear the sound and feel the vibration of the bowl, gradually the sound of the bowl completely disappears, but the vibration is still felt. In fact, the bowl continues to make sound, but we don’t hear it, because... Our ear is tuned only to a certain frequency of sound.

The sound of the bowl should caress your ear, it should be pleasant and harmonious. Try using different sticks and beaters. It is generally accepted that the longer the sound wave and the more overtones a singing bowl generates, the greater the healing effect it has on a person.

Of course, if you are holding a singing bowl for the first time, then it will be difficult for you to extract harmonious sounds, then contact a specialist who can give you a competent opinion on the sound and vibration characteristics of this bowl, you will hear its real sound.

A singing bowl cannot sound on its own, although in truth, all singing bowls that stand in open space sound. Air flows, sound waves and various air vibrations excite the wall of the bowl and it produces a sound that is inaudible to the ear. But if you connect a very sensitive microphone or use instruments to track the vibration of the bowl, this fact will become obvious. This is the vibration of space, very subtle and harmonious. If such a bowl is in a room, it will harmonize the entire room.

In order for the bowl to sound in the human range, you will need sticks and beaters. What to consider when choosing a stick. There is a certain rule: the size of the bowl should match the size of the stick or beater and vice versa. There are singing bowls of various diameters from 8 cm to 1 meter; in order for the bowl to open and sound at its “native” frequency, you need to hit it with a stick or gong stick of a certain size and diameter. If you are not yet an expert in this area, contact someone who already has experience. Very often, stores that sell singing bowls do not have a stick of the required diameter and size, and they sell a stick of a larger or smaller size along with the bowl. In such a situation, the sound of the bowl will be poor, sometimes if the stick is too large, the bowl cannot be untwisted; if the stick is of a smaller diameter, the bowl will produce an unnaturally high sound.

The sticks themselves must also be of high quality. Wooden sticks are made from hardwood, which ensures their durability and allows you to extract high-quality sound from the bowl. The best sticks are, of course, made in Nepal, where the best singing bowls are made. The stick should always be heavy, even a small stick made from hardwood will be heavy. This ensures that the singing bowl sings evenly when you move the stick along the edge of the bowl.

How to use the bowl

So, you have purchased an instrument that completely suits you with its sound timbre and is attractive in appearance. It's time to figure out how to use the singing bowl.

First you need to pick it up correctly. To do this, extend your left hand, palm up, and place the bowl on it. Fingers should not touch the walls of the instrument. Nothing should interfere with sound production; 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 right size: usually the required resonator is supplied with the bowl. These are two components of one instrument that must be tuned to each other.

Holding the resonator firmly by the handle, relaxing your wrist, lightly hit the edge of the bowl and begin to move the stick along the edge of the instrument. The resonator must be kept parallel to the edge, there is no need to hit the instrument hard, but even a weak blow will not bring any effect: over time, you will be able to develop the required impact force, with the help of which you will be able to produce a clear and beautiful sound.

When analyzing how to use a Tibetan singing bowl, one cannot help but pay attention to one aspect. You can produce sound by briefly hitting the edge of the rim and listen to the wave attenuate, or you can move the resonator along the rim, causing a long, drawn-out sound that plunges into the depths of meditative contemplation.

By changing the angle of the stick and the pressure, you can produce sounds of varying severity and intensity, and create harmonious combinations.

Singing bowls for influencing humans.

With the help of singing bowls, you can have a wide variety of effects on a person at all levels: on the body, consciousness, energy. They can:

• raise the level of vital energy (Qi),
• normalize blood pressure (see unique method of treating blood pressure),
• restore the immune system,
• help get rid of tensions caused by stress and negative emotions on the physical level,
• help you relax physically and emotionally, get rid of insomnia,
• synchronize the work of the right and left hemispheres of the brain, improve the ability to concentrate and increase creativity,
• harmonize the breathing process, which, in itself, can relieve many problems (see How to breathe correctly),
• improve hearing,
• restore the skeletal system.

Let's look at several ways the sound of singing bowls can affect a person:

• Singing bowls - listening.
• Singing bowls - massage (nada massage, sound therapy).

Singing bowls - listening.

You can simply listen to the music of the singing bowls, or you can “play” them yourself. In both cases, the singing bowls will have a beneficial effect on you. To the music of singing bowls (live or recorded), you can practice meditation, meditative exercises (yoga, Qigong), and dancing (for example, Mandala dance).

Many note the ability of the music of singing bowls to evoke in the listener various altered states of consciousness, feelings of “weightlessness,” and emptiness. Don't take my word for it - listen and try to feel it yourself.

I have made for you a selection of recordings of the music of Tibetan singing bowls:

Tibetan Singing Bowls - listen online >>>

Singing bowls - massage (nada massage, sound therapy).

Naturally, no one suggests directly massaging the human body with the cups themselves. Singing bowl massage is a sound massage, although touching the bowls to the body is possible (sometimes the bowls are placed on the person's body).

In one of the possible variants of sound massage, the bowls are placed around the lying person as follows: large bowls, emitting deep sounds, are placed closer to the feet, and small, thin-walled bowls, emitting high, joyful sounds, are placed closer to the head. Then they begin to alternately extract sounds from them with light blows.

If you hit the singing bowl, passing it over a person’s body, you will notice that in some places the sound of the bowl changes. This is how the problem area “responds.” You should pause at this point and continue hitting the bowl until the sound becomes “normal.” The problem area absorbs the vibrations of the singing bowl, is filled with them, and the energy in this part of the body temporarily comes into balance. This treatment can be considered a symptomatic treatment, since after some time the problem is likely to return if its causes are not eliminated.

Massage with Tibetan singing bowls (sound therapy) - video:

Massage with singing bowls can be performed by influencing the seven main energy centers - chakras. Each chakra has its own color spectrum. It also corresponds to a certain sound frequency. Before starting a massage, you should determine exactly how each chakra should sound (try to determine for yourself which area of ​​the body responds to a certain sound, or what color a given sound is associated with). Then, you can influence the chakras with the sound vibrations of singing bowls as described above (not without passing the bowl over the body, but holding it over a specific chakra that you want to influence).

I post separately recordings of Tibetan singing bowls for each of the seven chakras:

Singing bowls – 7 chakras >>>

Various massage options are possible - there are no clear and strict rules. Alternatively, you can place two singing bowls on the person's back (the larger one on the lower back and the smaller one on the upper back).

You can also perform self-massage with singing bowls, although this is, of course, more difficult. Since it is impossible to completely relax during self-massage, the effect will be weaker. For self-massage, you can place a singing bowl on your stomach just below your navel (the second chakra is svadhisthana), or on any other chakra, slowly hit the edge of the bowl with a stick and watch how the vibrations spread throughout your body.

If you want to “work” with all the chakras, you should start with the lower, first chakra (which is, as it were, the “foundation of the house”), then move on to the second, to the third, and so on, to the top - the seventh. This rule applies to both self-massage and massage done to another person.

Important: massage can only be performed with forged singing bowls.

A large bowl is best for healing. It has a full spectrum of sound, producing overtones over a wide frequency range. A large bowl is best able to reproduce rhythms that harmonize the functioning of the human brain.

There are some contraindications for massage with singing bowls. These are: the first trimester of pregnancy, thrombosis, the presence of a pacemaker, cancer and acute viral diseases.

If you are seriously interested in sound therapy using singing bowls, I highly recommend watching this video:

What you need to know about singing bowls and sound therapy?

Clearing space

The use of Tibetan singing bowls to cleanse space is very often practiced: it is believed that such sound cleanses the energy in the house, improves the mood and well-being of those who live in it, and creates protection from negative influences from the 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 walk 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, negative energy may stagnate there. You can place a container of salt water there or light a scented candle.

When moving from room to room, you need to hit the resonator three times on the side of the bowl. Be sure to ensure that the sound does not stop while the room is being cleaned.

Alternative view

These musical instruments have become widespread in Asian countries. They are used for religious and religious ceremonies, as well as as auxiliary equipment for meditation. Nowadays, they are used by practicing yogis and their followers, in some types of alternative medicine, and in relaxation techniques. It is not surprising that the number of people wishing to buy singing bowls is increasing year by year.

You can purchase Tibetan bowls directly from the manufacturer in the Himalayan region; relatively recently they began to be imported to Russia. This product, made by skilled craftsmen, has simply amazing sound! Images of deities, mantras and ornaments on the surface give the esoteric paraphernalia uniqueness and a peculiar charm.

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The technique of playing singing bowls deserves a separate description. A plastic or wooden stick, called a stick, is used to tap on the bottom or top of the product. The sounds produced resemble the ringing of a bell. You can also use the stick to make circular movements along the edges of the bowl, and the sound produced will be similar to singing.

Unique features and useful properties

A real Buddhist bowl rings for a long time when struck. The sound being played gradually fades away, as if moving away. There is no need to move the tool from one place to another. This may result in loss of sound volume.

Tibetan singing bowls are used in non-traditional healing techniques. With their help, you can eliminate inflammatory processes and restore lost strength. In addition, a music bowl can:

— Promote relaxation and tranquility
Promotional video:
— Induce a feeling of harmony;

— Relieve stress;

— Provide a vibration massage effect.

The Tibetan singing bowl has a unique composition and unusual shape. It can contain up to 9 types of metals. There are products that contain meteorite iron. The duration of the sound, its clarity and frequency are explained by the incredibly precise proportions of the selected metals.

Varieties of Tibetan bowls

Singing bowls vary in shape and wall thickness. During the game, the metal product vibrates. Increasing sound leads to increased vibration, and it becomes more and more difficult to keep the stick on the surface of the musical instrument. Keeping the stick firmly on the surface is the main skill that a beginning player should achieve.

The music bowl will not sound if the pressure is too light. But too much pressure muffles the sound. Pressure force and speed of movement of the stick are the main parameters that influence the dynamics of the sound of the instrument.

The thick-walled bowl produces a fairly clear sound, but not distinguished by a rich timbre color. In this case, the hand feels the metal perfectly, and it becomes easier to play. It is more difficult to play thin-walled instruments, but the resulting sound will be more beautiful and rich. Tibetan bowls are tuned to one tone, but sounds of different pitches are extracted from them. The rim of the bowl favors higher notes, while the bottom produces lower register sounds.

Tool Guide

The main purpose of the Tibetan bowl is to delight the ear with singing. It's easy to play, but it won't hurt anyone to learn how to play it. As mentioned above, the stationary state of the bowl is the main condition for achieving beautiful surround sound. There is a special pad for fixing the product. By moving the stick along the edge of the instrument, we create vibration. There is an opinion that if you place a bowl on your stomach while playing, the vibration coming from it has the greatest healing effect.

The varied composition, size and shape of hammers and sticks allows you to achieve sounds of incredible purity and beauty. Pour water into the bowl, and you will hear how its singing has changed, and you will feel how its healing effect has changed. If you are using several musical bowls at the same time, let some of them be filled with water and others empty. You can create a musical masterpiece that has no analogues!

Musical sticks, depending on the material from which they are made, have a variety of effects. Metal sticks tone and invigorate the body, while plastic ones (and especially felt ones) have a calming effect.

Recently, musical bowls began to be imported to Russia. People practicing various types of yoga became their first buyers. Initially, this esoteric paraphernalia was acquired only by initiates, and only a considerable time later it began to be used by individual connoisseurs, doctors and massage therapists who understood the miraculous power of vibration and sound of Tibetan bowls.

Meditation with a bowl

Another important option for understanding how to use a singing bowl is meditation. This process helps restore mental strength, find balance and know yourself.

Step-by-step meditation:

1. Find a secluded, quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
2. Sit on your knees or in the lotus position, take the bowl in your hands, close your eyes.
3. Start playing the bowl slowly, listening closely to the sound. It is extremely important that the vibrations of sound completely occupy the consciousness; thoughts should not be allowed to be distracted by anything.
4. At the end of the 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 an aid, you can use incense or essential oils to help you concentrate (frankincense, lavender, myrrh aromas are recommended).

Feedback about use

Most of those who have had the opportunity to use singing bowls in their spiritual and everyday practice describe this instrument positively, noting the interesting spiritual experience that opened up after such exercises.

Those who have had the opportunity to try a massage using amazing sound vibrations also speak very positively about the bowls.

Especially many positive reviews come from those who purchased bowls directly from 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.

Manufacturing and purpose

An alloy of eight metals is used to make Tibetan singing bowls. The predominant elements of its composition are copper and tin, the proportion of iron, zinc, nickel, silver, gold and mercury is insignificant. According to legend, the bowls made in ancient times were endowed with special energy by adding to the alloy a metal obtained from meteorites falling to the Earth. Modern singing bowls may not contain gold or silver.

Hand forged products have the most effective harmonizing effect. The casting method reduces the cost of the bowl, but also significantly reduces the musical capabilities of the instrument, reducing the number of harmonic overtones to two overtones. Its sound resembles the sound of a bell, having its own depth and beauty of tones.

Singing bowl

Since ancient times, singing bowls have been used in Tibet and Nepal during religious rituals, repetition of mantras, and for a more complete immersion in trance during meditation. According to Feng Shui, this item is recommended to be kept in the interior; in India, Bhutan and other countries it is actively used for therapeutic massage. The production of quartz singing bowls has been established in the USA. They differ in appearance and shades of sound, and the accuracy of setting the desired tone.