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Meditation gongs, including hanging gongs and singing bowls, are used during meditation to produce harmonious tones and vibrations. They originated in ancient times, possibly in Tibet, and were originally used in religious ceremonies but are now used in non-religious practices such as yoga and transcendental meditation. The gongs are played by tapping them gently with a cloth-tipped mallet, and singing bowls can be played by striking them or rubbing a mallet along the outside. They are used to indicate the beginning or end of meditation and help participants relax their mind.
Meditation gongs are actually a unique type of musical instrument. The two most popular types are hanging gongs and singing bowls. Both are generally used during group or individual meditation to produce harmonious tones and vibrations designed to enhance the meditation experience.
The exact origins of meditation gongs are unknown, but they are believed to have been developed in ancient times, perhaps as early as 2000 BC Most likely, they originated in the Tibet area. Originally, these types of gongs were mainly used during religious ceremonies. Over time, however, they have become increasingly popular for use in other non-religious practices, such as yoga and transcendental meditation.
The type of meditation gong called a hanging gong looks like what most people would imagine when they think of a gong. A hanging gong is a metal disc, typically made of copper, bronze, or a combination, that hangs from a frame of some sort. The frame can be as simple as two wooden rods, as complex as an ornate bow, or anything in between. The size of the metal disc also varies, and while some may be small enough to fit on a person’s desk, others may be large enough to take up an entire wall.
When a person uses a meditation gong, it is typically not struck with a hammer to produce the metallic clang some might associate with a gong. Rather, a specially designed cloth-tipped mallet is tapped gently around the inside of the gong to produce resonant vibrations. This process is called inviting the gong to sound and it produces a temperate and harmonious tone.
Singing bowls are rounded bowl-shaped instruments recognized as another type of meditation gong. Many consider them similar to inverted bells in the shape and sound they produce. This instrument is played by striking it lightly with a specialized mallet or by sliding the mallet along the outside of the bowl. When struck, the bowl makes a soft, bell-like sound. If the hammer is rubbed along the rim or outside of the bowl, the instrument produces a continuous, melodic vibration.
Some people may not consider a gong to be a very versatile musical instrument. Using specific techniques, however, meditation gongs can produce a diverse variety of melodious tones. Indeed, there are individuals, especially in Asian countries, who specialize in playing both the suspended gong and the singing bowl and can produce entire musical compositions using only those instruments.
Mostly though, meditation gongs are used during meditation practice. Both hanging gongs and singing bowls can be used to indicate the beginning or end of mediation and are often used to help participants refocus on their surroundings after a session. They can also be used during meditation to help participants relax their mind. Some individuals may even enter into a chant by mimicking the vibrational tones produced by meditation gongs. Either way, harmonious tones are meant to reduce stress, promote healing, and create a state of inner balance.
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