and.. the Perfect Way to Introduce
The Tibetan Singing Bowl, an ancient form of bell that has long been used a meditation tool, is an ideal instrument to encourage relaxation, healing and general wellness. In addition to their traditional usage for meditation, Tibetan singing bowls are used for deep relaxation, stress reduction, holistic healing, Reiki, and chakra balancing. The bowls may also be struck during chanting of mantras to emphasize certain words or to signify the passage of time or transition of activity. Many people find that the rich blend of harmonic overtones which the bells produce have a direct affect upon their chakras.
The bowls themselves are traditionally made from an alloy that combines seven metals (Bronze, Brass, Copper, Zinc, White Metal, Silver, Gold).
The bowls themselves are traditionally made from an alloy that combines seven metals (Bronze, Brass, Copper, Zinc, White Metal, Silver, Gold).
Mallet
Use either a brocade-covered or felt-covered mallet. You can place the bowl directly on the body, on the floor, or on a healing table. On the body use three fingers (ring, middle and index) on the inside center of the bowl to stabilize it if the bowl is small. On the floor or on a table, place the bowl on a non-slip pad to prevent the bowl from shifting. You can make your own pads from soft, non-adhesive material made for lining kitchen drawers and shelves. Begin the strike from three feet out and make contact one inch below the rim of the bowl. At the end of the stroke's path, move the mallet upward to create a full and resonant tone. You may hit the inside upper rim of the bowl, still making an upward sweep at the end of the stroke's path. To initiate the vibration, you can strike the bowl gently and then rub the mallet back and forth from right to left to bring out the bowl's healing vibration.
"Around-The-Rim" Technique
The Wah-Wah
Most all Tibetan singing bowls have natural wah-wahs which you can amplify and bend by using the wah-wah technique.
- If your goal is to have the sound lead you into a quiet state of consciousness, Generally, the best way is to tap it with a mallet.
- Concentrating on the bowl, especially the pulses of sound, as they become quieter and quieter, is an excellent way to bring the mind into focus.
Use either a brocade-covered or felt-covered mallet. You can place the bowl directly on the body, on the floor, or on a healing table. On the body use three fingers (ring, middle and index) on the inside center of the bowl to stabilize it if the bowl is small. On the floor or on a table, place the bowl on a non-slip pad to prevent the bowl from shifting. You can make your own pads from soft, non-adhesive material made for lining kitchen drawers and shelves. Begin the strike from three feet out and make contact one inch below the rim of the bowl. At the end of the stroke's path, move the mallet upward to create a full and resonant tone. You may hit the inside upper rim of the bowl, still making an upward sweep at the end of the stroke's path. To initiate the vibration, you can strike the bowl gently and then rub the mallet back and forth from right to left to bring out the bowl's healing vibration.
"Around-The-Rim" Technique
- Hold the singing bowl on the palm of the left hand. For smaller bowls, 16cms and under, hold on your fingertips.
- Grasp the mallet about mid-length, with all the fingertips pointing downwards and touching the wood. Palm downward.
- Gently tap the mallet against the side of the bowl to "warm-up" the bell.
- With an even pressure, rub the mallet clockwise around the outside edge of the rim of the bowl. Use a full arm movement, just like stirring a big kettle of soup, and keep the mallet straight up and down! Again, it's not a wrist movement, but a full-arm movement.
- Experiment with your speed. Let the sound build up slowly as the singing bowl picks up the vibration.
The Wah-Wah
Most all Tibetan singing bowls have natural wah-wahs which you can amplify and bend by using the wah-wah technique.
- Get the bowl singing by using the mallet-around-the-rim technique described above. Pull the mallet away from the bowl and let the bowl continue to sing.
- While still holding the bowl in your hand, raise the bowl up to your mouth so that the outside rim is just above the opening of your mouth and about an inch away.
- Open and close your mouth while thinking of the sound wah-wah. You are not actually making any sound with your mouth, but simply changing the shape of the oral cavity which allows the sound of the singing bowl to bounce around inside of your mouth and then be reflected back. By changing the size of the oral cavity you are modulating the sound!
Ganesha
Ganesha (Sanskrit: गणेश, Gaṇeśa;), also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, Pillaiyar and Binayak, is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. His image is found throughout India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bali (Indonesia), Bangladesh and Nepal. Hindu denominations worship him regardless of affiliations. Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains and Buddhists.
Ghanta
Ghanta is the Sanskit term for a ritual bell used in Hindu and Buddhist rituals. The bell is generally made from brass, and each bell has its own distinct and unique voice. Its sound is believed to welcome the gods and ward off evil spirits. Balinese Hindu priests can very often be seen during upacara (ceremony) performing sacred rites and periodically ringing the Ghanta bell vigorously, as well as gently letting the sound resonate.
Lakshmi
Lakshmi (/ˈlʌksmi/; Tamil: இலட்சுமி , IAST: lakṣmī) or Laxmi, is the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity. She is the wife and shakti of Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism and the Supreme Being in the Vaishnavism Tradition. With Parvati and Saraswati, she forms Tridevi, the holy trinity. Lakshmi is also an important deity in Jainism and found in Jain temples. Lakshmi has also been a goddess of abundance and fortune for Tamils.
Thangka Painting
A thangka, (Nepali pronunciation: [ˈथान्का]; Tibetan: ཐང་ཀ་; Nepal Bhasa: पौभा), is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, silk appliqué, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala.
Prayer Flags
In the Himalayas they are often strung up over hills, mountain passes, monasteries, and sacred places. Prayer flags are inscribed with auspicious symbols, invocations, prayers and mantras.
Mala Beads
Since ancient times, Hindus and Buddhists have used prayer beads known as malas. They are often used to keep count when reciting mantras, but they may also take on the positive energy of the prayers.
Tibetan Jewelry
Tibetan jewelry is traditionally quite large and uses a variety of gemstones such as turquoise and lapis lazuli. Tibetan jewelry is made from real gemstones and it can be made from sterling silver, plated silver, or copper and brass.