Tibetan Singing Bowls

The Himalayan mountain region is commonly referred to as the, "roof of the world," with its majestic peaks that seem to pierce the sky. This is the area from which the mysterious Tibetan singing bowls come from. These artifacts are shrouded in mystery, so no one knows for sure exactly when they first came into use. Some say that they were first used in India 3,000 years ago and they were used in Tibet 1,000 years ago.

The bowls are created by hand--one at a time--so each one is unique. They are made up of a metal alloy that is comprised of several different metals including gold, silver, mercury, copper, tin and iron. Most bowls are created from five or fewer different kinds of metals. The differing proportions of the metals used in each bowl is said to account for the unique variations in the sound each bowl produces.

There is a bit of controversy associated with Tibetan singing bowls with reference to determining their true age. In ancient times it is believed that the bowls were created by pouring molten metal on to a flat stone and then they would beat the plate into shape with a hammer. After the bowl was formed they would decorate the outside of the bowl with engraved designs. Today the bowls are made by pouring metal into a cast, but there are also hand hammered bowls around that look like antiques, but they are not.

The way to play a Tibetan singing bowl is very simple. Basically all you have to do is circle a wooden stick around the outside of the bowl in a steady rhythm. Singing bowls are sometimes used in meditation. A person can play a Tibetan prayer bowl while they are meditating, or they can ask someone else to play the bowl while they focus on meditation. Tibetan bowls are also sometimes played in yoga classes. Someone plays the bowl while the rest of the class goes through the asanas while the gentle music plays in the background.

Because of their increasing popularity, Tibetan singing bowls imports from India are increasing. Manufacturer of Tibetan singing bowls sell them over the Internet and to specialty shops that sell other artifacts from those regions of the world.

The music that emanates from the Tibetan singing bowls is said to be very peaceful and encourages a sense of calm throughout the body. The bowl is played and the sound begins to flow and impart a deep sense of relaxation. When one reaches a deep, meditative state while the bowl continues to sing they can begin to take in the healing vibrations created from the music created by the singing bowl.