Tibetan Singing Bowls
History
In the begining wind ('lung') moved the Geat Silence & ceated Sound.
By it's vibration, sound poduced both subtle & gross forms. In creative
myths worldwide, sound is recognised as the womb from which the visible
and invisible emerged.
The Bronze Age in China dates from 1600 BC. Small metal bowl were
known around 11 century BC and are the oldest objects described as
'Singing Bowls'. By the 6th century BC the Chinese,
being far advanced in the manufacture of metal alloys, made perfectly
tuned bells. During the time of Confucius in the 5th Century BC, the
ancient kings were ever careful about things which affected the heart.
It was said that sound vibrations came from the heavens & were interpreted
by the heart, the place where harmony arises. In those days it was
through tones & music in rituals, whcih brought people's inner feelings
& external conduct into balance to establish peace in the nation.
The singing bowl is essentially a heart oriented experience.
Today in Japan Singing Bowls are still used as temple
bells without clappers. Small shiny golden bowls with thin walls,
are generally Japanese bowls. Fairly thin bowls with concave 'bottle'
bases are mainly made in Nepal. In Tibetan Buddhism metal offertory
dishes & chalices on altars in monasteries, are honoured ritual objects.
It makes sense that they have a special sound, with the offering emanating
from an harmonious cradle. The true Tibetan Singing bowl
is said to contain more silver and tin giving it a dull lustre, whereas
the Nepalese bowls have a golden glow.
According to tradition the bowls are made of Seven Metals or known
as Seven Metals Bowls :
One Metal for each of the Planets:
Gold - Sun
Metcury - Mercury
Iron - Mars
Lead - Saturn
Silver- Moon
copper - Venus
Tin - Jupiter
Hot metal was poured onto a flat stone and when
cool, was beaten into the shape of a bowl, under maximum tension
without cracking. In modern times the nomadic smiths seem to have
disappeared and sadly the secret knowledge handed down is dying
out with them. Tibetan Singing bowls produce as
many different sounds as there are variations in their metallic
content. Every metal manifests it's individual sound and hsrmonics-
each offering it's own exceptional medicine of sound.
Tibetan Singing Bowl
Tibetan Singing Bowls - the sound that enhance Mind and Body
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