Using a Tibetan or Singing Bowl in Meditation Practice
A Tibetan ball, a Tibetan singing bowl, or simply a singing bowl, is a traditional instrument used in meditation and spiritual practices.
You typically hold the bowl in one hand or place it on a cushion to stabilize it. With the other hand, you use a mallet or striker to gently strike the edge of the bowl (preferably from inside) or rub the mallet around the bowl's rim. This action produces a resonant sound and vibration.
The bowl can be used to mark the beginning and the end of a meditation session. Traditionally, three strikes mark the start of a session, and one strike is the conclusion.
The sound produced by the Tibetan bowl is not just rich but also soothing, often described as calming and harmonious. If you're using sound as the anchor of your meditation, try striking the ball each time you've noticed you're caught in your thoughts and slightly distracted from the practice. But don't overdo it. Don't try to have a constant sound resonating in your ears, or that is not the point.
Be playful. Be creative. Have some humor. Use whatever you find helpful to bring your mind home. It's your own mind you are exploring; enjoy it.