How to Buy a Tibetan Singing Bowl
How to Buy a Tibetan Singing Bowl
Upon arrival in Rishikesh, India I saw stores selling a variety of singing bowls of all sizes and colors. The amount of options was overwhelming to my unexperienced (soundbowl) mind. Luckily, I waited a month and received lessons from the local masters on these instruments before purchasing anything.
These healing instruments are called various names– Tibetan Singing Bowl, Tibetan Sound Bowl, 7-metal Bowls — and refer to the bowls in this article.
4 things you need to know before buying a quality Tibetan Singing Bowl
A quality bowl will produce a beautiful sound AND vibration for you to enjoy. Less expensive bowls are machine-made, often painted color on the outside, and appear flawless.
- Weight | A quality bowl will feel study and heavy.
- Shape | High quality bowls are hand-hammered, shown by unique marks, indentations, and slightly imperfect shapes. (Some quality bowls have designs etched in. Personally, I prefer plain bowls as the quality seems more in tact.)
- Color | Quality bowls are crafted with 7 metals and have shades ranging from silver to bronze to brown.
- Sound | Ringing the bowl (like a gong and in circles around the lid) produce multiple layers of sounds as well as a lasting vibration.