Tibetan singing bowls.
The tradition of singing bowls can be found throughout Asia. Whether they are of shamanic origin or not, singing bowls, like other metal instruments (gongs, cymbals...), have always been used in religious and secular music.
The arrival of Tibetan singing bowls in the West dates back to the 1960s thanks to the popularisation of Tibetan Buddhism and the development of so-called vibratory therapies.
Tibetan bowls, or Tibetan singing bowls, are made of an alloy of seven metals. The number seven and the metals of which they are composed are directly linked to the seven chakras, those energy points which, according to Asian tradition, are located on a central energy axis running through our body.
In each singing bowl created according to tradition, the following metals are found: silver, iron, mercury, tin, copper, lead and gold. Each metal emits a specific sound, a specific vibration and it is from the harmony of these vibrations that the power of the singing bowls derives.
The practice of Tibetan singing bowls is based on the use of vibrations applied according to a series of techniques that harmonise the energies accumulated in our bodies.
How to choose a singing bowl?
It is very important to set yourself certain criteria in order to choose the Tibetan singing bowl that best suits you. These criteria can be as follows:
Your use of the singing bowl
Depending on your goals, you may need one or more singing bowls with different characteristics (note, size, weight, budget, etc.).
If you are a beginner, it is advisable to take a Tibetan singing bowl with a rather low tone.
The sound of the Tibetan singing bowl
Close your eyes and let yourself be overwhelmed by the sound of the singing bowl. Your positive feelings are the first judge in the choice of your singing bowl.
The resonance of the singing bowl
The resonance of a Tibetan singing bowl corresponds to the length of time the sound is audible. As a general rule, the greater the resonance, the more the bowl's vibratory effect penetrates the body and develops its vibratory benefits.
Weight and height
This is also a practical matter.
The larger and heavier the Tibetan singing bowl is, the less easy it will be to handle although the sound probably produced is more suitable for therapeutic practice.
Medium-sized singing bowls (between 12 and 20 cm) are a good choice for beginners.
Choice of materials
The real Tibetan singing bowl is made of an alloy of 7 metals (iron, tin, gold, silver, copper, mercury, lead).