Types of Meditation Gongs

With an ancient history, gongs serve a distinct function for various Buddhist meditation practices. As usually happens when Asian forms of worship and contemplation find their ways to the West, standard uses for meditation gongs have been co-opted by the New Age movement and, in certain cases, secularized for non-religious meditation practices. There are two basic types of gongs, suspended and singing bowls.

History

The use of meditation gongs originates in Asia and dates back to pre-Buddhist shamanism. In Buddhism's long trek across the Asian continent, various schools of Buddhism picked up the cultural use of gongs and incorporated them into contemplative practices. Tibetan and Zen Buddhists use gongs in their respective practices. In the West, some people meditate with the use of gongs, but not necessarily for practice that is associated any particular religious tradition. It is clear that the use of gongs for ceremonial and meditation purposes has thrived for thousands of years.

Significance

Meditation gongs play a significant role in meditation practice, be it Buddhist or New Age. When a gong is "invited"--not hit or struck--to sound, the radiating and complex or simple harmonics resonate within the one who meditates. This resonant harmony between gong and person is a contemplative experience of the sound of the Universe. Buddhists believe that identification at the physical level with the sound of a gong helps to guide the believer toward Nirvana and Buddhahood. Tibetan and Zen Buddhists sound gongs as accompaniment to festivals, individual meditation practice and calls to worship.

Types

There are two types of meditation gongs, suspended gongs and bowls, also called singing bowls. Made of bronze, copper or other metals, a gong can be hung suspended between two poles. Singing bowls also are considered gongs. A monk or nun gently invites a suspended meditation gong by tapping a felt covered mallet around the circular area that surrounds the gong's center. The gong then vibrates. As the vibration continues, one follows the vibration sometimes silently. A singing bowl is invited to sound by tapping a soft-headed mallet around the bowl's edge. Depending upon the type(s) of metal used in a gong's construction, the age of the gong and whether the gong was made by hand or machine, the harmonic vibration created will be more or less complex and resonant. Antique gongs often included precious metals such as silver and gold. A gong with the most precious metal construction and age creates the most sought after vibrations. Of all gongs, the least valued are those made by machines.

Function

A monk or nun gently invites a gong by tapping a felt covered mallet around the circular area that surrounds the gong's center. The gong then vibrates. An initial response to a sounding gong is to bring awareness back to the present moment, away from distractions and attachments. As the vibration continues, one follows the vibration sometimes silently, sometimes by chanting "Aum," achieving resonant harmony with the gong's sound. As the gong's vibration resonates within one's being, one experiences interior and exterior harmony and is gently led toward Nirvana. In a non-religious setting, the gong's sound helps to center focus inward and guide one toward silent serenity.

Considerations

If purchasing a gong for Buddhist meditation practice, consult a local Zen or Tibetan Buddhist temple for guidance. Gongs vary and an expert can help the seeker wind her way through an overwhelming assortment of gongs, especially on the Internet. If authenticity is an issue, a guide is essential. There is no harm in using gongs for secular meditation practice. Regardless of one's purpose and use, important considerations are to use a gong appropriately and with respect. Since meditation is an essential component when using a gong, realize that meditation is a journey that continues for a life time. Meditation is an investment in one's spiritual and mental well being.

Resources

• Meditation Gong
• Gong Types
• Tibetan Gongs