How to Play a Singing Bowl

You don't need any training to play a singing bowl. A few minutes of practice is enough to get a beautiful sound.

1. Hold it or set it down

Place the bowl on its cushion, or rest a small bowl on your flat, open palm. Avoid gripping the sides, because your fingers will stop it from ringing.

2. Strike it gently

Hold the striker like a pen and tap the outer side of the bowl just below the rim. A soft tap is all it needs. Then stop and listen until the sound fades away.

3. Make it sing

Tap once to wake the bowl. Then press the striker against the outer rim and slowly circle the bowl, keeping the pressure even and your arm moving, not just your wrist. After a few circles you'll hear the tone start to build. If it rattles, press a little harder or slow down.

Using it in your practice

Try one strike at the start of meditation, then follow the sound until it disappears. You can also use a bowl to open and close yoga, or simply to take a quiet minute during the day.

Caring for your bowl

Wipe the bowl with a soft dry cloth after use, keep it dry, and store it on its cushion. Handle a bowl with care, since a hard drop can damage it and change its sound.

Want to try it now? Play a bowl on our site, or read how to choose a singing bowl.