Getting into a “zone” for meditation sometimes requires pure silence. However, the repetitive playing of a musical instrument has also been known to promote relaxation and focus when it comes to finding one’s space. The “singing bowl” is an ancient instrument used worldwide for this exact purpose.
Predominantly made in Asia, especially Nepal, singing bowls are usually made of copper and are closely related to decorative bells made In that region. In Tibetan Buddhist practice, singing bowls are used as a signal to begin and end periods of silent meditation, whereas in Japan they are used during funerals and other religious rites.
Today, singing bowls are considered as much pieces of art as they are meditation tools or instruments. Several bowls dating back to the 12th century AD have been discovered and are now part of treasured art collections.
