Wednesday, December 25, 2013

How Singing Bowls Have Been Used For Therapy

By Eugenia Dickerson


Traditionally, Tibetan singing bowls are not just used to create beautiful music. Each vessel is classified as a bell, particularly, a standing bell. They have been used in that nation for healing for many years. These instruments are also known as suzu gongs. People who play them usually place the bowl with the bottom resting securely on a solid surface such as a floor or a table.

These bells are used with a striker. The mallet is applied with force to the metal repeatedly. The consistent peals are used to indicate that a period of meditation has begun. Similarly, the sound is sent out at the end of such a time. It is the only thing that can be heard during what is otherwise, a singularly quiet interval.

This is one of several ancient pieces of art from the Himalayas. Quite a few sculptures and other artwork such as paintings sometimes include a bowl or two in the scene. Using this historical evidence, researchers can learn more about how everyday people utilized them back then. Some older vessels are made with bronze while others are formed using other substances that were readily available thousands of years ago.

While these gongs have pride of place in the Himalayas, they definitely have gained acclaim in other regions. In Japan, China, India and many other nations, examples of these ancient symbols of healing can be seen. The Korean and Nepalese people are known to employ them as means for facilitating healing as well. Just as pipe organs are sometimes associated with Christian music, this instrument is often linked with Buddhism.

Buddhists may practice mindfulness on occasion or try to engage in this habit more regularly. This is not only a habit of people from this background as people in the West and East who have no affiliation with Buddhism also do this. However Buddhists are more likely to use gongs as a part of their meditation while sitting or walking .

Samples of this sort of music are available on video sharing sites. These will allow you to get a better idea of what the instrument sounds like. It may also allow you to see it being used in temples or other locations where it is often found. Some people may find the sound pleasing while others may not. However the objective is not to just listen to the sound but to focus on inner healing.

Beautiful antique Tibetan singing bowls are sometimes found in private collections while others are displayed in museums across the globe. They are not usually highly decorated but they do have variations that make them unique. The older vessels are made by hand. As such, when comparing one with another, quite a few differences are apparent. This gives each bell special characteristics that makes it valuable as a collectible.

Collecting Tibetan singing bowls can be a rewarding experience. By using the information contained in this article you should be able to share the significance of these objects with people who may be unaware of their purpose or their role in Tibetan society. As time progresses more people are learning to appreciate them.




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