| Tibetan singing bowls originated in the | | | | actually hear anything. You will begin to |
| Himalayan regions of Tibet, Northern China, | | | | hear a slight hum, and this hum will increase |
| India, Bhutan, and Nepal. Historians are | | | | as you continue circling the stick around the |
| unable to pinpoint exactly when singing bowls | | | | bowl.Singing bowls are often used for |
| came into being, but the technique to build | | | | meditation, and you can play your bowl while |
| similar instruments existed in Asia as long | | | | meditating yourself. You can also ask someone |
| as 2,500 years ago. Some sources believe | | | | else to play the bowl while you are |
| that singing bowls were first used in India | | | | meditating. Singing bowls are often used in |
| 3,000 years ago, and in Tibet 1,000 years | | | | yoga classes as well. In a yoga class someone |
| ago. It is believed that the "Bon" sect of | | | | would sit in the class to play the bowl while |
| shamans often used singing bowls in their | | | | the students go through the asanas. This is |
| rituals.Singing bowls were originally | | | | a nice addition to any yoga class, and is |
| comprised of five, seven, or nine different | | | | more soothing than the recorded music that |
| metals including gold, silver, mercury, | | | | many yoga classes use.Singing bowls are |
| copper, tin, and iron. Some also believe | | | | wonderful to use in outside environments and |
| that meteorite was used in making the | | | | for yourself at home. They are becoming more |
| original bowls. But most bowls were made | | | | and more popular in the west, along with yoga |
| using five metals or less.Today, singing | | | | and Buddhism. When you are not playing your |
| bowls are often made by pouring metal into a | | | | singing bowl, it still serves as a beautiful |
| cast. These singing bowls are smoother and | | | | decoration for your home. In Tibet singing |
| are generally easier to play. There are also | | | | bowls are often used for other purposes, such |
| hand-hammered singing bowls on the market. | | | | as offering bowls, as well as for |
| Hand-hammered bowls are more difficult to | | | | playing.Sylvia is the co-owner of Hinky |
| play, and even though they are often passed | | | | Import, |
| off as old or antique, few of them are. | | | | |
| Antique bowls are still around, but they are | | | | which offers singing |
| very rare and high-priced.Playing a singing | | | | |
| bowl is very simple, and you will be able to | | | | bowls and Chinese gifts. |
| play most bowls in less than five minutes. | | | | |
| Simply circle the stick around the outside of | | | | She has been a frequent traveler to Tibet |
| the bowl very slowly in a steady rhythm. You | | | | and China. |
| might have to circle for a while before you | | | | |