Tibetan Singing Bowls of Mystery

The Himalayan mountain region in India and Tibet is sometimes affectionately referred to as the, "roof of the world," with its breathtaking mountain peaks that appear higher than the heavens. Tibetan singing bowls are created in this region of the world. Tibetan singing bowls are like bells, and they are used for relaxation, meditation and to create unique music. The sound is produced by either striking them with a wooden mallet, or by running the mallet around the rim of the bowl to create a more harmonious tone. These artifacts are shrouded in mystery, so no one knows for sure exactly when they first came into use. Some say that they were first used in India 3,000 years ago and they were used in Tibet 1,000 years ago.

There is not much agreement about Tibetan singing bowls with reference to determining their true age. In ancient times it is believed that the bowls were created by pouring molten metal on to a flat stone and then the artisan would beat and pound the plate into shape with a hammer. When the bowl shape was formed the artisan would then decorate the outside of the bowl with signature engraved designs. Modern methods for creating the singing bowls include pouring molten metal into a cast, however, buyers should be careful that there are also hand hammered bowls available for sale that look like antiques, but they are not.

Each singing bowl is created by hand--one at a time--so each one is unique. The bowls are crafted from a metal alloy that is a composite of several different metals including gold, silver, mercury, copper, tin and iron. Many bowls are created from five or fewer different kinds of metals. The various proportions of metal used in each singing bowl accounts for the unique variations in the sounds each bowl produces when played.

Playing Tibetan singing bowl is very easy. Simply move the wooden mallet in a circle around the outside of the bowl in a steady rhythm, or strike the bowl as you would strike a bell. Singing bowls can be used in meditation to help focus the mind on the sound. A person can either play a Tibetan prayer bowl while they are meditating, or they can ask someone else to play the bowl for them while they focus on meditation. Tibetan singing bowls are also sometimes played during a yoga class. One person plays the bowl while the rest of the class goes through the asanas while the gentle sounds can be heard in the background.

Tibetan singing bowls are increasing popularity now, and imports from India are increasingly available. Tibetan singing bowls can be purchased over the Internet and in specialty shops that sell other artifacts the Himalayas.

The gentle, musical sound that resonates from Tibetan singing bowls is said to be very peaceful and encourages a sense of calm tranquility throughout the body. When singing bowls are played the sound begins to flow and impart a deep sense of relaxation to those who are listening. One can reach a deep, meditative state while the bowl sings and they can feel the healing vibrations from the sounds created by the singing bowl.