What is a singing bowl (and how to use it for meditation)?
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Discover what a singing bowl is, including the benefits and origins of using them for meditation. Plus, how to use a singing bowl in your meditation practice.
If you’ve ever been to a yoga class or an in-person meditation session, you might be familiar with singing bowls. Singing bowls—also known as standing bells—have been used for centuries in various cultural and spiritual practices because of the unique, soothing sounds they make.
In yoga, singing bowls can provide a calming atmosphere for savasana (a resting pose often at the end of a class) or a restorative session. Singing bowls also create a nice ambiance for a relaxing meditation practice. But no matter where or how you use them, singing bowls may help you tune into yourself and regain a sense of focus.
What is a singing bowl?
A singing bowl is a type of bell that produces sound and vibrations when used. Unlike many types of bells that hang, singing bowls sit with the bottom surface resting on a table or the floor.
When you strike or circle the rim of a singing bell with a mallet, you’ll hear a rich, harmonious tone that resonates for a long time. The sounds are believed to help with meditation by focusing the mind and creating a tranquil environment. The vibrations from the bowl can also be felt physically, adding a tactile element to the meditative experience.
Singing bowls are usually made from metal alloys, including a mixture of bronze, copper, tin, iron, and other metals. They’re often handcrafted, which makes each bowl produce a unique sound and can also be made from crystal, which tends to produce a purer, more sustained tone.
Larger bowls typically produce lower, more grounding tones, whereas smaller bowls create higher, more uplifting sounds.
What are the origins of using singing bowls for meditation?
Singing bowls are believed to have originated in the Himalayan regions, particularly Tibet, Nepal, and India, and they’re often associated with Tibetan Buddhism. Monks and spiritual practitioners in these areas have used singing bowls for many years as part of their religious and healing practices.
In Tibetan Buddhist traditions, monks use singing bowls in rituals and ceremonies to mark the beginning and end of meditation sessions. The sounds produced by the bowls are thought to help focus the mind and deepen meditation.
Singing bowls are also used in traditional healing practices, creating vibrations believed to restore balance and harmony within the body, mind, and spirit.
Western travelers, spiritual seekers, and scholars visiting Himalayan regions in the mid-20th century brought the bowls back with them. During the 1970s and 1980s, interest in Eastern spirituality and holistic health practices grew, and singing bowls became popular in yoga studios, meditation centers, and holistic healing practices.
Benefits of singing bowl meditation
The unique sounds and vibrations produced by singing bowls are thought to enhance the meditation experience and promote wellbeing for your mind, body, and spirit.
Mental and emotional benefits
Reduces stress: The gentle, continuous tone can encourage relaxation, which may help reduce the production of stress hormones.
Improves concentration: The sound provides a point of focus, which can sometimes help quiet the mind and promotes staying present during meditation.
Enhances emotional wellbeing: The vibrations are thought to help release negative emotions and promote inner peace.
Physical benefits
Reduces blood pressure: Relaxation may lead to reduced blood pressure, lowered heart rate, and improved cardiovascular health.
Improves sleep quality: By quieting the mind, the gentle tones may help you prepare for sleep.
Pain relief: The vibrations and relaxing sounds are thought to help manage pain symptoms.
Spiritual benefits
Deeper meditation experiences: Vibrations can provide a focal point to help you reach a meditative state more quickly and maintain it longer.
Heightened spiritual awareness: The sound may possibly help you feel more attuned to your inner self and the world around you, enhancing your sense of spiritual wellbeing.
How to use a singing bowl for meditation: 5 steps to deepen your practice with sound
With a few easy steps, you can enrich your meditation practice by adding sound into your routine.
1. Find a quiet space
Choose a calm and quiet place where you can fully immerse yourself in the meditation. Clear away clutter and create a peaceful ambience, perhaps by lighting a candle or incense. It may help to use the singing bowl at the same time each day to build a regular meditation practice.
2. Sit comfortably
Sit in a comfortable position, either cross-legged on the floor or cushion or in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Relax your shoulders and rest your hands on your knees or in your lap. It can help to make sure your spine is straight, but not rigid, to help you stay alert. Then take a few deep breaths, focusing on breathing slowly and evenly.
3. Hold the bowl
Place the singing bowl on a cushion or hold it in your non-dominant hand. If you're holding the bowl, keep it level and steady with your palm flat and your fingers spread to support it evenly. If it's on a cushion, position the cushion so the bowl is stable and won't wobble. Then hold the mallet in your dominant hand, gripping it lightly but firmly to allow smooth movement around the bowl's rim.
4. Strike or rub the bowl
To strike the bowl, gently tap the side of the bowl with the mallet. Experiment with the force and placement of your strikes to find a sound that's clear and resonant.
To rub the bowl, place the mallet against the rim and steadily move it in a circular motion. Start with a gentle touch and gradually increase the pressure as the bowl begins to sing. Vary the speed and pressure to find a tone and volume you prefer.
5. Focus on the sound
It can help to try your best to stay present. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to the sound of the bowl. You may notice how the vibrations affect your body, or feel the resonance in your hands if you're holding the bowl. You can also take note of how the sound vibrations influence your breathing and relaxation. After the sound fades, pay attention to the silence that follows. This can be a powerful moment of stillness and presence.
Experiment with combining the singing bowl with other meditation techniques like deep breathing, guided imagery, or mantra repetition to see what feels best to you.
Singing bowl meditation FAQs
Can anyone use a singing bowl for meditation?
Anyone can use a singing bowl for meditation. They can be a great tool whether you're a beginner or a more experienced meditator. Singing bowls can be especially helpful for people who find traditional meditation methods challenging, as the sound can provide a clear point of focus.
How do I choose the right singing bowl for my practice?
To choose the right singing bowl, think about what you want to achieve with your meditation practice.
Size: Larger bowls tend to produce lower, deeper tones that are grounding and calming, while smaller bowls produce higher, lighter tones that can be more uplifting. Decide what kind of sound resonates with you.
Material: Traditional metal bowls have a rich, complex sound, while crystal bowls produce a pure, sustained tone. Choose the material that appeals to you the most.
Purpose: If you need deep relaxation and grounding, a larger, metal bowl might be best. For clarity and high vibrations, a smaller, crystal bowl might be a better choice.
Sound: Each bowl has a unique sound, so if you’re in a physical store, try listening to several bowls before choosing one that makes you feel relaxed and focused.
What is the significance of the different tones produced by singing bowls?
Different tones produced by singing bowls are thought to have different effects on your mind and body.
Lower tones: A grounding and calming resonance may help you feel more centered and stable. Lower tones are often used for deep relaxation and stress relief.
Higher tones: Uplifting and energizing sounds may help you feel more alert and focused.
Harmonic overtones: Singing bowls often produce multiple tones at once. These complex sounds are thought to enhance the overall meditative experience, which may help you to achieve a deeper state of relaxation and mindfulness.
How often should I use a singing bowl in my meditation routine?
You can use a singing bowl as often as you like, but you might want to adjust your routine depending on your aims and lifestyle.
Some people use their singing bowl as part of a daily meditation routine to help deepen their practice. Even just a few minutes each day can have benefits. However, that’s not possible for everyone. Sometimes, weekly sessions might make more sense. If you notice positive changes in your stress levels or concentration, you might wish to practice more often.
Are there any specific care instructions for maintaining a singing bowl?
Taking proper care of your singing bowl will help maintain its sound quality and appearance.
Clean your singing bowl regularly to remove dust and fingerprints. Use a soft cloth and gentle cleaning solution, and avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the bowl’s surface. Be sure to store your bowl in a safe place. For added protection, use a cushion or padded bag to avoid dents or cracks. Also, remember to keep your bowl away from extreme temperatures and humidity. Metal bowls can tarnish or corrode if exposed to moisture, and crystal bowls can be damaged by extreme heat or cold.
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