We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are Meditation Gongs?

By A.M. Boyle
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,186
Share

Meditation gongs are actually a unique type of musical instrument. The two most prevalent types are suspended 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 it is believed that they were developed during ancient times, perhaps as early as 2000 B.C. Most likely, they originated in the area of Tibet. Originally, these types of gongs were used primarily during religious ceremonies. Over time, however, they have become increasingly popular for use in other, nonreligious practices, such as yoga and transcendental meditation.

The type of meditation gong referred to as a suspended gong looks like what most people might envision when they think of a gong. A suspended gong is a metal disc, typically made of copper, bronze, or some combination, that is hung on a frame of some sort. The frame can be as simple as two wooden rods, as a complex as an ornate arc, or anything in between. The size of the metal disc also varies, and while some can be small enough to sit on a person’s desktop, others can 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 gently tapped around the inner portion of the gong to produce resonating vibrations. This process is called inviting the gong to sound and produces a tempered, harmonious tone.

Singing bowls are rounded, bowl-shaped instruments recognized as another type of meditation gong. Many consider them to be similar to inverted bells because of the shape and sound they produce. This instrument is sounded either by striking it lightly with a specialized mallet or running the mallet along the outside of the bowl. When struck, the bowl produces a soft, bell-like tone. If the mallet is rubbed along the rim or outer part of the bowl, the instrument produces a continuous, melodic vibration.

Some people might not consider a gong to be a very versatile musical instrument. By using specific techniques, though, meditation gongs can produce a diverse variety of melodious tones. In fact, there are individuals, particularly 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.

Primarily, though, meditation gongs are used during the practice of meditation. Both suspended gongs and singing bowls can be used to signify either 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 minds. Some individuals might even enter a chant in imitation of the vibrational tones produced by meditation gongs. Either way, the harmonious tones are intended to reduce stress, promote healing, and bring about a state of inner balance.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By ZipLine — On Apr 12, 2014

@candyquilt-- Actually quite a few people use gongs as decorative pieces because they add a touch of the Far East to any room.

Traditionally, gongs have been used in meditation, in prayer, to warn the locals of invaders, to invoke the Divine or to invoke spirits and also to provide spiritual and physical healing to those who listen to their sound and feel the vibrations. It is also used in martial arts.

If you can't use the gong for any of these purposes, then you could just enjoy its beauty as a decoration.

By candyquilt — On Apr 11, 2014

A friend gifted me a desk gong but I don't know what to do with it. I don't meditate often and at this point, it's sitting on my desk like a decorative piece. I tried it and the sound is nice, I'm just not sure what it could be used for. Any ideas?

By SteamLouis — On Apr 11, 2014

I use a singing bowl at the beginning and end of meditation. I really like the sound produced by the bowl. It's very calming and helps me focus. I feel that my meditations are more productive, longer and better in quality when I use a singing bowl.

Although this instrument might not be versatile, it's a very simple instrument that anyone can learn to use. And I think it's the ease of use that makes the singing bowl so popular. When I have guests over, they always want to try the singing bowl and I teach them in just a few minutes.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-meditation-gongs.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.