How to play a Tibetan Singing Bowl?

Typically a singing bowl set consists of a bowl, a mallet (striker) and a cushion. There are two major ways of playing a singing bowl.

Striking

Striking is the easiest way to play a singing bowl. This technique can be used by beginners and users of any age.

  • Hold the mallet in your dominant hand and rest the bowl on the palm of your other hand.

  • Hold the mallet as you would hold a pen, thumb on one side and propped between your next two strongest fingers.

  • Gently strike the bowl with the mallet and feel the sensation and vibration of a pleasant and rich tone.

Circling

This is an intermediate and more challenging technique which can be easily mastered with practice. Normally, most people can master this after practicing a few times.

  • Be seated in a relaxed position with a straight spine.

  • Hold the mallet in your dominant hand and rest the bowl on the palm of your other hand.

  • Similar to the striking method, hold the mallet as you would hold a pen, thumb on one side and propped between your next two strongest fingers.

  • Lightly strike the mid exterior wall of the bowl immediately followed by circling the rim in a clockwise motion.

  • Circle the bowl at least five times. You will notice a relaxing sound and vibration dispensing from the bowl as you do this.

  • You may also add some water to the bowl when you are using this technique. This gives a unique sound as the vibration floats through the water. Be sure to empty the bowl and dry it thoroughly.