Every singing bowls is unique in its own way. The proportion of metals is different in every other bowl. Each metal produces its own tone, but it is the combination of different tones that makes the wonderful vibrations emerge.
The sound also depends on the shape and size of a bowl, and the thickness of its walls. Bowls may be large and small in diameter, from two-inch up to several meters. Bowls of 12-22 cm over are the most popular. Every human being has his or her own unique vibration, that's why one should choose a bowl by intuition. One should listen to the bowl not only with his or her ears, but with the whole body. For example, you may put a vibrating bowl to your belly or chest, and feel the bowl resonating with your chakras.
Bowls are different from each other not only in their tone, but also in design. There is often an image of Buddha at the bottom of a bowl, and mantras written on its rim. The wonderful power of the mantras is believed to spread all around when the bowl is singing. In Tibet they generally etch Om Mani Padme Hum, the most widely known mantra in Buddhism, a mantra of purification of a body, soul and mind, a mantra of salvation from the vanities of the world. The mantra depicted on the inner and outer sides of a bowl singing rays an appeal to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, a Bodhisattva of compassion, thus creating a good connection with the Bodhisattva and getting his protection and regard.
The quality of a singing bowl is very important; it must be made by an eastern master according to traditional techniques. Lately small manufactured singing bowls have become popular. Though they look beautiful and impressive, they do not produce a grain of that wonderful sound of authentic hand-hammered Tibetan singing bowls.
When choosing a singing bowl, make sure that its tone is harmonious, versatile and right for you!
"Tibetan Singing Bowls", transl. by Yana Soboleva
