How to Use a Singing Bowl: A Beginner's Guide

To use a singing bowl, rest it on the flat of your palm or a soft cushion, strike the outer rim gently with a padded mallet, then let the sound fade. To make it sing, press the mallet against the outside edge and glide it slowly around the rim. Here is how to do both, step by step.

What is a singing bowl?

A singing bowl is a bowl-shaped bell that rings when struck and hums when its rim is circled. Bowls like these are strongly associated with Himalayan regions and with meditation practice, and today many people keep one at home to mark the start of a quiet moment, a stretch session or an evening wind-down. You will find a range of sizes and styles in our singing bowls.

The tradition behind them is rich, and different cultures have used bells, bowls and gongs for centuries to call attention, mark ceremonies and set a reflective mood. You do not need to follow any one practice to enjoy the sound. It is enough to listen.

• A singing bowl, ideally with its own mallet (often called a striker)
• A small cushion or ring to rest the bowl on
• A quiet space where you will not be disturbed
• A few minutes, and a relaxed pair of shoulders

Most bowls arrive with a wooden striker, sometimes wrapped in suede, and a cushion. Smaller bowls are easy to hold in the hand, while larger ones sit best on a cushion on a table or the floor.

How to strike a singing bowl

1. Find your position. Sit comfortably. Rest the bowl on the open palm of your non-writing hand, fingers spread and relaxed, or place it on its cushion. The bowl should not touch your fingers at the sides, as this dampens the sound.
2. Hold the striker loosely. Grip it like a pencil, with a soft hand rather than a tight fist.
3. Tap the outer rim. Give a gentle, firm tap on the side of the bowl, about halfway up the outside. Lift the striker away straight after, rather than leaving it resting there.
4. Listen. Let the sound bloom and fade completely before you strike again. The silence afterwards is part of the experience.

How to make a singing bowl sing

This is the part most people find satisfying, and it takes a little patience.

1. Hold the striker upright, like a pen, with your thumb and fingers at the lower end.
2. Press the flat side against the outer rim of the bowl. Use steady, moderate pressure.
3. Begin to move the striker around the outside in a slow, even circle, keeping the same pressure and speed all the way round.
4. After a few rotations, the bowl will begin to hum. Keep going and the tone will grow richer and fuller.
5. To finish, ease the pressure gradually and let the sound drift away.

If you hear a rattle or a squeak, try slowing down, using a little less pressure or checking that your fingers are not touching the bowl. Every bowl has its own character, so spend a few minutes getting to know yours.

Ways to weave it into your day

• Sound it three times to open or close a meditation
• Use it at the start of a ritual, or to mark the turn of a moon phase. Our moon calendar is handy for planning
• Play it before bed alongside a few slow breaths, perhaps with a diffuser or a pillow spray from our room and pillow sprays
• Pair it with a stick of incense for a gentle sensory cue. Browse incense sticks if you would like to try one

Many people find that using it at the same time each day helps the sound become a familiar signal to slow down. Try it for just a minute or two at first, and lengthen the time as you feel more at ease with the movement.

Looking after your bowl

Keep it dry and wipe it with a soft cloth. Avoid dropping it, and store it on its cushion so the base does not get scratched. If the surface looks dull, a gentle wipe is usually all it needs. Wipe away fingerprints after each session so the surface stays bright. Keep the striker clean and dry, and avoid leaving the bowl in direct sunlight or damp conditions for long periods.

Bring it home

If you are just beginning, a bowl that fits comfortably in your hand is a lovely place to start. Explore our singing bowls, or build a calming corner with drums and instruments and the pieces in our calm and sleep collection.