How to Use a Singing Bowl

Do you want to take your meditation to the next level, but aren’t sure how to use a singing bowl? The fact is, singing bowls are for absolutely everyone, and are easy to use. You don’t need to be a musician or a mindfulness master to pick up a singing bowl and start playing right away.

Consider how it is that we know so much about the benefits of singing bowls. It’s because anyone can try it out and see for themselves!

That said, there are a few factors that drastically improve the experience of using a singing bowl for the first time. Luckily, we’ve got it covered.

Everything You Need to Play a Singing Bowl

As soon as your box arrives, you’re ready to play. The complete sets we offer at Silent Mind are intended to make learning how to use a singing bowl fast and simple. This way, the first time you attempt to use a singing bowl, you feel inspiration, not discouragement.

The Cushion

With every order, we include a cushion for your bowl to sit on top of. Whether you keep this on a flat surface or in your palm, the pillow steadies the bowl without dampening the sound.

If you were to hold the bowl with your fingers gripping the sides, you’d find that the sound just isn’t as resonant and long-lasting as it should be. On a table, the pillow can help keep the bowl from shifting as much while you play.

Not to mention, it’s a great accent for display.

The Striker

Next up, we have our striker. You won’t find another striker exactly like this anywhere else, because it’s exclusive to Silent Mind. The striker has dual ends, so either side can make your bowl sing.   

The bare wooden end makes a higher, louder ringing sound. The leather-covered end produces a more ethereal sound that’s still quite substantial. Hold your striker loosely in the same way you would a pencil, and give each end a try.

How to Use a Singing Bowl

There are two ways you can play. First, you can simply strike the outer upper rim and let the bowl ring out. This is commonly done when bowls are used for meditation and yoga, to mark the end and beginning of each session.

You can also make your singing bowl really sing. When you strike the bowl, don’t pull the striker away so abruptly. Instead, rub it steadily along the outer rim of the bowl in one smooth motion.

TIP: It helps to consider this motion one you make with your entire arm, as opposed to just your hand and wrist. That helps keep you from tiring out, slipping, or cramping.

The speed and amount of pressure you use will have an effect on the song you and your bowl create together. Because of the healing frequencies singing bowls emit, you can easily find yourself getting “in the zone” as you continue to play.

We’d love to hear from you on this topic. How long did it take for you to get the hang of playing the singing bowl? What advice would you give to a beginner? Help out our growing community by leaving a comment below.