Singing Bowls

Handmade by Skilled Artisans Singing bowls have a rich history in Buddhism, meditation, and sound therapy. Today, singing bowls continue to have many uses, from ritual chants to relaxation. The singing bowls at Ten Thousand Villages are hand cast and inscribed by Nepalese artisans employed by Mahaguthi, a Fair Trade Organization which produces, markets, and exports Nepalese crafts. As founders of the maker-to-market movement, Ten Thousand Villages ensures all of our fair trade partners work closely with local artisans in under-resourced communities. In doing so, they provide fair wages and access to the global marketplace. Learn more about our mission and how every purchase you make is an investment in artisans located around the world. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation With Singing Bowls For centuries, singing bowls have been used to guide meditation and promote relaxation. While their exact origins are unknown, evidence suggests singing bowls were used as far back as 1600 B.C. in China. Singing bowls may even have origins in ancient Mesopotamia. Today, singing bowls are used to promote relaxation and wellness through sound therapy. They can also be used in modern mindfulness meditation practices. How To Play a Singing Bowl Singing bowls are idiophones, a type of musical instrument that makes a tone when struck, scraped, or shaked — just like a bell or a gong! There are two main ways to play a singing bowl: striking and circling the rim. Striking The Bowl One of the simplest ways to play a singing bowl is by striking it. Here’s how: Hold the bowl, open side up, in the palm of your hand place the bowl on a flat surface. If you hold the bowl, allow it to rest in your palm rather than gripping it with your fingers. Gently tap the outside of the bowl with a wood striker. Depending on the size and shape of the bowl, you may need to tap closer to the rim to generate a vibration strong enough for the bowl to sing. Allow the bowl to finish singing before striking it again. Alternatively, you can continue to hold the bowl in your hand, although this might make meditation more difficult for some. Circling The Rim Another way to play a singing bowl involves gradually creating a vibration through the bowl. There are a few steps to do this correctly: Hold the bowl, open side up, in the palm of your hand or place the bowl on a flat surface. If you hold the bowl, allow it to rest in your palm rather than gripping it with your fingers. Using an appropriately sized mallet, place the non-padded end of the mallet against the outside of the sing bowl’s rim. Begin to gently trace around the bowl’s rim with the mallet. Press firmly enough so that the mallet remains in contact with the bowl, but avoid pressing so strongly that the bowl “chatters” rather than vibrates. Be sure to practice! It takes time to learn the correct rhythm and speed to play your bowl.