How to Use a Singing Bowl

Sing bowls have been used for centuries as aides in meditation, spiritual rites, and personal relaxation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A singing bowl
• A mallet (usually accompanies the bowl, and are purchased as set)

1. Sit comfortably and hold the bowl in the palm of your hand in front of you. Keep you hand as flat as possible without danger of dropping the bowl.

2. Take the mallet in your other hand. With a firm grip on the mallet, 'stir' the outside edge of the bowl, close to the rim. Keep the mallet as straight up and down as you can.

3. Keep stirring. It may take a few revolutions around the bowl, but you should starts to hear the tones.

Tips & Warnings

• When you're just starting to get a feel for this, it can be helpful to lightly 'ding' the edge of the bowl before starting the stirring motion.
• The mallet has the tendency to want to 'jump' due to the vibrations of the bowl. Keep your grip firm on the mallet to reduce this.
• Hand made bowls are preferable because they resonate better, and have deeper, more complex tones, although this method works well for machine made bowls as well.
• Try to keep you fingertips away from the side of the bowl as it dampers the sound.
• These instructions are for smaller, personal use singing bowls.
• Video comeing soon!

[Magentaslb]

on 3/16/2009 Actually, it's origins are in Asian culture specifically Tibetian, and are known as 'Himalayan bowls' or 'rin' or suzu gongs in Japan, and it's considered a type of bell. I'm having technical difficulties at the moment, but I do intend on posting a video, once I get a new microphone - the sound is really cool!

[LissaK]

on 3/4/2009 I've learned something new again. Does this have any origins in Native American culture? Thanks. :D

[triciagoss]

on 2/1/2009 Sounds cool!