The sounds ring true like bells but the origins of the singing bowl remain undetermined today.
According to ancient culture, they are one of the most ancient artisan crafts in human existence with their history passed on through the generations.
On Sunday, January 28th, at Faith Lutheran Church in Port Elgin, the congregation experienced the power of a Singing Prayer Bowl brought by Karin Fryday.
Found today in yoga studios, sound therapy spaces, massage therapy centers, temples, home feng shui, gardens and anywhere where people do centering meditative work, singing bowls can be an incredible addition to a person’s wellness routines.
There are over 50 different singing bowl types, however, there are two main types of standing bowls from which all the others originate- metal and crystal singing bowls.
Each has specific physical and metaphysical characteristics. Although metal bowls are older, complex, and durable, crystal alternatives are powerful. Both types of bowls create highly resonant frequencies and healing energies and, moreover, are said to affect the body, chakra system, and brain differently.
Although most people call them Tibetan singing bowls, the earliest standing bowls actually originated from Mesopotamia into China. Historians say the concept of using bells for prayers and religious purposes must have spread out to other parts of the world such as India and Japan during the age of Buddhism, therefore, the oldest metal healing bowls can be traced back to 6,000 years in the Age of Gemini in Mesopotamia. From there, they made their way to the regions of Tibet, Nepal and India, which all have singing bowls in their history and culture dating back some 2,000 years. Buddhist monks have long used Tibetan singing bowls in meditation practice.
Today, singing bowls are still produced in these areas of the world, and both the craftsmanship and the spiritual components are closely tied to culture and tradition.
The frequencies produced by singing bowls are said to create a vibration that resonates with the body’s energy and helps restore its balance and harmony to resonate with our bodies, creating a profound sense of harmony and relaxation.
The therapeutic effects of singing bowl meditation are well-documented, offering benefits such as stress reduction, increased focus, and enhanced creativity. Singing bowls can, in fact, be used for various purposes – meditation, relaxation, stress reduction, and sound therapy.
Studies have also shown that singing bowl sound meditation can produce physiological and psychological responses, reducing negative affects and increasing positive affects, as well as improving blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
They are often used in mindfulness practices, yoga studios, and even some newer Buddhist rituals.
