Run the mallet around the rim and a deep, round note rises, fills the room and hangs in the air for several seconds. A Tibetan singing bowl is something you keep close by for a pause: first thing in the morning, at the end of the day, or just before you sit down to meditate. Ours pair the look of hammered metal with the warm, full sound singing bowls are loved for.
Where Tibetan singing bowls come from
Singing bowls come from the Himalayas, where they have been part of meditation and quiet reflection in Asian traditions for centuries. Traditional bowls are cast from a mix of metals that Tibetan culture links to the planets and stars, then hammered one at a time. That's why each bowl has its own voice, and no two sound quite alike.
A deep, warm sound for meditation and relaxation
People choose a singing bowl for its tone and for how long it rings. Rub the rim or strike the side and you get a long, low note that fades into soft vibrations. Many use one for meditation, relaxation or yoga, to open and close a session, or simply to take a calm moment at home.
Which size of singing bowl should you choose?
Small bowls sit comfortably in the palm of your hand and suit personal use. Larger bowls give a lower, fuller sound that works well for group sessions. Size shapes how deep the note is and how long it lasts, so if you can, listen to a few and pick the one whose sound you like best.
How to play and care for a singing bowl
Rest the bowl on your palm or on a cushion and slowly circle the mallet around the outside wall. Don't press hard: the sound builds on its own. Add a little water and the note changes, and you'll see the surface ripple. A soft cloth is all you need to clean it. Keep chemical cleaners away, as they tarnish the metal.
Frequently asked questions about Tibetan singing bowls
How can you tell a genuine Tibetan bowl?
A traditional bowl is hammered from a metal alloy and has small irregularities that come from the way it's made. The best test is the sound: a good bowl rings for a long time, with a clean, even tone.
Why put water in a singing bowl?
Water changes the note and sends pretty ripples across the surface. It's lovely to watch, and to listen to, during a quiet moment.
Complete your calm corner
A singing bowl sits well beside a meditation mala, an orgonite or other pieces from our zen home decor. Put together a space that feels like yours.
