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TIBETAN/BUDDHIST
INFORMATION and PRODUCTS
TIBETAN
SINGING BOWLS
According to Tibetan oral tradition, the singing bowl dates
back to the time of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni (560 –
480 B.C.) The great tantric master Padmasambhava brought the
tradition alongside early Buddhist teachings to Tibet from
India in the 8th century. Some people also say the bowls
were used by early monks as their “begging bowl”. Singing
bowls produce sounds that invoke a deep state of relaxation,
naturally assisting one in meditation. These bowls are found
today on Buddhist altars, in temples, monasteries,
meditation halls and now many personal homes and therapy
rooms throughout the world.
In
additional to their traditional use for meditation, Tibetan
singing bowls are used for holistic healing, stress
reduction, chakra balancing and world music. Many people
find that the rich blend of harmonic overtones the bowls
produce has a direct effect on the charkas. Playing the
bowls usually causes an immediate centring effect. The tones
set up a “frequency response” that creates a balancing,
left-right brain synchronization. Meditating on the subtle
sounds of the Tibetan singing bowl connects you with the
ultimate universal sound within and without, with the
ultimate goal of enlightenment.
With a few minutes practice and a little patience, almost
anyone can play a singing bowl. Good technique develops as
you learn to balance three factors: the firm pressure of the
mallet (puja stick) against the rim of the bowl, the angle
of the stick (almost perpendicular to the bowl), and the
speed, which should be quite slow. Playing techniques vary
between individuals, however I’ve found these three steps
work well;
Hold the singing bowl on the palm of your left hand (or the
right hand for left handers). Keep your palm and fingers
perfectly straight. For smaller bowls, or for people with
larger hands, balance on your fingertips. Do not let your
fingers “grab” the sides of the bowl as this will prevent
the bowls’ vibration and thus prevent the “singing!”
With your right hand, hold the stick firmly in the middle,
with fingertips and palm pointing downward. Some people may
find it easier to grasp the stick as though holding a pole,
with the fingers firmly curled around the stick.
Gently tap the stick against the side of the bowl. Then with
a firm even pressure, rub the stick clockwise around the
outside edge of the rim of the bowl. Keep the stick straight
up and down, lock your wrist and use a full arm motion, as
if stirring a large pot of soup. Remember to apply pressure
– the friction of the stick against the outer rim produces
the vibrations that produce the sound. If you get a rattling
sound while playing (caused by the stick “jumping”), try
adjusting your speed, by slowing down, or try to work on
your fluid, full arm motion, while keeping the pressure
firm. Experiment with all these variables. Most people play
too fast! Let the sound build up slowly and be patient with
the process – learning to play is a meditation in itself!
When selecting Tibetan bowls, it is important to realize the
difference between new bowls, old bowls and antique bowls. A
metallurgical analysis of an antique Tibetan bowl, done by a
British museum, reveals these instruments were made of a 12
metal alloy of silver, nickel, tin, copper, zinc, antimony,
lead, cobalt, bismuth, arsenic, cadium and iron. The antique
Tibetan bowls were hand forged pieces. Dating is estimated
according to the amount of accumulated wear on the bowl.
Wear shows as a smoothness to the metal and a lack of hammer
marks. Deeper, more distinct hammer marks indicate a newer
bowl. Old bowls date from the middle of the 19th century to
1949, which was the beginning of the Chinese occupation of
Tibet. Antique bowls are 100 to 400 years old, although even
older bowls can sometimes turn up. Antique bowls have a
mellowness to their sound and in addition, their age and
history add a mystique people love. Newly made bowls are
usually highly polished and have a small pip or casting mark
in the middle of the bowl. These bowls have been cast and
then turned on a lathe and frequently their insides contain
a concentric groove pattern. Ultimately, what most people
are looking for is the best harmonic sounds coupled with the
effects these sounds have on you.
TIBETAN BELLS & DORJE
The bell is used as an aid to meditation or in religious
ceremonies to summon spirits of deities. In Buddhist pujas
(prayer services) the bell is sounded at the moment the
deity is perceived to be present in the room. For meditation
purposes the sound is most important and is used to the
clear the mind of superfluous thoughts prior to a meditation
period. In Buddhist tradition the bell is always used in
conjunction with the Dorje, or Thunderbolt. This symbolises
that the path and the goal are one. The bell is considered
female and denotes wisdom while the Dorje is male and
denotes action. Every part of the bell has symbolic meaning.
The handle consists of a knob of a Dorje resting on a mock
disc while underneath the face of Viarocana the incarnation
of universal truth (Dharma). Above the face are 8 Lotus
leaves. The bottom rim is decorated with a ring of Dorjes.
The sound mantra of the bell is the “OM” which symbolises
perfection. For meditation purposes the face of the bell
should be turned toward you and held in the left hand,
(female) the Dorje is always held in the right hand (male)
As with the bell, all parts of the Dorje have significant
meanings. The 5 spokes are the five forms of mystical
wisdom. The four other spokes emerge from the mouth of the
monster - this symbolises liberation from reincarnation.
Underneath are 8 Lotus leaves representing the 8
Bodhisattvas. the centre is a globe, the symbol of
synthesis, the point in which everything is enclosed. The
Dorje also represents the indestructibility of truth and is
a symbol for the victory of knowledge over ignorance.
The Lotus flower symbolises the purity of coming into being.
From the mud of the pond, where it is rooted, a flawless
blossom arises above the surface of the water.
PRAYER WHEEL or KHORTEN
Traditionally the Tibetans used this device for meditation,
mind focusing and to assist in world peace by ‘sending the
prayers out to the world.’ The mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” is
displayed on the outside and there is a prayer sheet inside
as well. Each round of the wheel represents one reading of
the mantra, a very powerful invocation for peace, literally
translated, says “hail to/blessed be the Jewel in the
Lotus”, which basically means the divine (Jewel) resides in
our heart (Lotus), and symbolises our divinity, compassion
and renunciation of worldly desires. The wheels are hand
made of copper and brass and are designed to come apart, so
don’t worry if the handle comes away from the top. Just
remove the top cover and replace the metal prong.
Traditionally the Tibetans always rotated the wheel in a
clock-wise direction.
TIBETAN
‘TINGSHAW’ pronounced “Tingsha”
Made of high quality bell metal, these
cymbals are perfect for meditation ritual, healing, space clearing or musical
practise. The 2 cymbals are joined together by a leather thong and upon sticking
them together they can resonate with their incredible sound for up to 30
seconds. To use correctly, hold the thong between your thumb and forefinger of
both hands and strike the ends together. Try using them on a partner, by
striking them over their head and running the Tingshaw down their front and/or
back. Most people will feel a lovely tingling sensation. This denotes the energy
and assists in cleansing your aura and chakra systems. Also can be used alone or
to “move’ stagnate energy in your home or office areas. (esp corners and in your
nooks and crannies!) Comes in 4 sizes, mini, small, medium and large in 3
designs; 1) Tibetan eight lucky signs, which are as follows; Parasol (or
umbrella) of protection, The Dharmic wheel to enlightenment, banner of victory,
golden fish to release suffering, vase of spiritual wealth, perfect Lotus of
purity, conch shell to announce Buddha’s teaching and the infinite knot of
eternal love and long life. 2) Dragon; symbolises energy, fire and the
dissolution of our fears 3) Om Mani Padme Hum mantra in Tibetan. This sacred
mantra appears everywhere in Tibetan teachings and translated means “blessed be
the Jewel in the Lotus”. (see further information given on this). Each size and
style will resonate with various chakras making them a “perfectly sound healing
tool” and at the same time the wonderful, sacred symbology can help us to
remember the truth of our divinity and the journey in this
life.
TIBETAN INCENSE/SCROLL HOLDER
This is a traditional Tibetan incense
holder made of copper and/or brass and they are truly a work of metal art and
they are heavy! Can be used to carry lighted incense around or just to store
incense. The traditional incense in Tibet is often longer than usual Indian
sticks, hence the length of the holder, and as the incense is revered in their
country, they create beautiful holders to store or light it in. Can also be used
for your special documents, scrolls, marriage certificates etc. All these
holders have the sacred Tibetan Buddhist mantra, “Om Mani Padme Hum” inscribed
in brass/bronze lettering in the old Sansrkit language.
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