Tibetan bowls and sounds

More about this category

A singing bowl is a metal bowl that produces a long, enveloping sound when it is struck gently or when its rim is rubbed with a striker. They are called “Tibetan”, but they come from the Himalayan region and are made today mostly in Nepal and India: they are instruments inspired by Buddhist practices, used for meditation, music, relaxation and decoration.

In this section you will find bowls, strikers, cushions and resonance instruments. A few pointers before you choose:

  • To start with, a medium bowl (about 12 to 16 cm) with a cushion and a striker is the best compromise.
  • The larger and heavier a bowl is, the deeper and longer its sound; very small bowls are harder to make sing.
  • A hand-hammered bowl does not have the same depth of sound as a mass-produced decorative model.
  • Never place a bowl on glass, and keep the volume comfortable for your ears.
  • The sound soothes many people, but a bowl cures nothing: it is an instrument for setting the mood.

Read the singing bowls guide

How to choose

  • Size: the larger the bowl, the deeper and longer-lasting the sound.
  • Accessories: a cushion and a striker are needed to play it.
  • Use: meditation, music, decoration or a gift.

Find out how to choose and play your singing bowl.

The meanings given are traditions and symbolism, presented for their cultural and personal interest. They are not promises of results and do not replace the advice of a health professional.