Our Tibetan Singing bowl has finally got a home of it's own. For a long time I was concerned about the bowl & it's apparent 'lostness' on the family altar. I knew that it was very important for it to be honoured & respected. The bowl represents the element of air through sound.
If you are inclined to make your own, this prayer bowl pillow is like a big pin cushion. I was going to make mine but saw this one at Adyar & thought that I would use the time I would take to make it, to chant instead & also pay respect for all the resources that collectively made this beautiful pillow.
In Buddhist practice, singing bowls are used as a support for meditation, trance induction and prayer. For my own practice I strike it when a particular phrase in a sutra, mantra or prayer is begun or concluded. Singing bowls may also mark the passage of time or signal a change in activity.
Singing bowls are unique because they are multiphonic instruments, producing multiple harmonic overtones at the same time. If you are looking to buy a singing bowl I can recommend the Bodhisattva Trading Company. They are an experienced business, are sympathetic to the plight of the Tibetan people, society & culture & are ethical.
This very short 29 second film shows how to play a prayer bowl.
