The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Singing Bowl
The Power of Sound

ORIGINS

A singing bowl is a percussion instrument that is actually a type of standing bell. The bowl produces a sound when struck with a mallet or other implement, or when the implement is rubbed along the rim of the bowl. The resonant sound is reminiscent of singing; hence the name. Singing bowls are most often metal, usually a copper-heavy alloy, but may also be made of quartz crystal.

HISTORY/LORE

The singing bowl originated in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal, and India and is now used worldwide. Traditionally, singing bowls were made of a combination of seven metals corresponding to the seven “planets” that were known at the time: gold (the sun), silver (the moon), copper (Venus), iron (Mars), tin (Jupiter), mercury/quicksilver (Mercury), and lead (Saturn). There is also a connection to the seven chakras, or energy centers, of the body. In some Buddhist practices, the sound of the singing bowl signals the beginning and end of a period of silent meditation. In Japan, singing bowls are used in funeral ceremonies.

USES

Singing bowls are used in many spiritual and holistic health traditions for relaxation, meditation, and healing. You can meditate on the sound of the bowl itself or you can use the sound as a way to focus your attention on the present moment. The singing bowl is sometimes used at the end of a yoga practice during shavasana, or corpse pose, to aid in relaxation following a strenuous session. Singing bowls are available for purchase in most New Age stores as well as online.