Musical instruments are commonly used in Buddhist meditation ceremonies. Non-Buddhists and Buddhists alike sometimes wonder, “What are those instruments?” “Why are they used?” and “What do their shapes represent?” These instruments play a vital role in ceremonies and meditation.
Bell Bowl or Singing Bowl
The “Da-qing” in Chinese or “Kinsu” in Japanese is a hand-hammered piece of bronze that has the shape of a bowl. It is one of the prominent percussion instruments used in Buddhist chanting. During the ceremonies, the bowl is struck to punctuate certain passages of religious texts. It is also struck during meditation to help the mind stay mindful.
The bowl is struck by a wooden rod, which is wrapped in cloth, against the edge or on the side of the bowl. Different ceremonies require different sounds. The sound created by the bell-bowl is a long, resonating tone that that fills the temple space with a field of acoustic energy. This energy brings the mind back to focus, and as the sound dissipates, a settled and tranquil state of mind is achieved.
There is some evidence that the vibrations of the singing bowls are of the same wavelength as the brain wavelengths that produces the feeling of relaxation. It is recorded in the Sutras in the parable of “The Humble Singing Bowl” that “When the Da-Qing is sounded a voice that preaches Buddha's teachings will permeate through the three thousand realms.”
There are many different sizes of singing bowls ranging from large to small. The large singing bowl usually is placed on a stand near the main altar and is used for large assemblies of people chanting. Smaller singing bowls are generally used for services or chanting by smaller groups of people. An individual at their home altar may use a small singing bowl during meditation or chanting.
Cymbals
The “Ke” in Chinese, or cymbal, is a percussion instrument that is always used in conjunction with a hand-held gong during Buddhist chants and hymns. The cymbal is constructed of brass and copper with a piece of cloth tied to the center hole so the practitioner can grasp the instrument.
When the cymbals are played during ceremonies they are held horizontally with each section facing each other. The musician holds the cymbal level with their solar plexus and strikes them together while maintain the cymbals orientation.
Religious etiquette requires the cymbals to be kept closed when they are not being played. This is done so that the mood and dignity of the ceremony is maintained.
Drum
The drum in played in Buddhist temples to announce the start of the ceremonies and also to accompany Buddhist chants and hymns. There are many types of drums of varying sizes.
The sizes range from very large drums that are placed in special drum towers in monasteries, to small hand held drums played by a monk or mendicant when chanting in a group. The most common one seen in temple halls is the medium-sized drum, sitting on a stand that also holds a small bell that is played alongside the drum accompanying chanting during Buddhist Ceremonies.
Hand Chime
The hand chime is a small inverted bell attached to a long handle. A long metallic striker is tied to the handle of the hand chime and is used to strike the hand chime to produce a high pitch peal.
This instrument is used to synchronize the vocal and physical action of the assembly while they perform Buddhist ceremonies. The hand chime acts as a metronome when struck during certain passages of a religious text. It is also struck to signify that a transition is about to be made from one section of the text to the next.
During prostrations, the hand chime is used to let the assembly know when to kneel, bow and rise. This is done so that the assembly is in unison and also to help focus their mind honoring the Buddha.
There are some special times when the hand chime is used and considered very important when chanting. One of those times occurs during chants for those nearing death. The hand chime is used to help keep the dying person remain clear minded so that his thoughts can be focused wholly on the Amitabha Buddha. This helps them achieve rebirth in the Pure Land.
Hand-Held Gong
The hand-held gong is always played in conjunction with the cymbals (see above) to accompany Buddhist chants and hymns. According to ceremonial etiquette the hand-held gong is held in the left hand and struck with a miniature hammer.
Wooden Fish or Wooden Block
The wooden fish is one of the most important instruments used in Buddhist Chanting. The instrument is made of wood and is etched with features that resemble the eyes, tail and scales of a fish. The fish, because they do not have eyelids, keep their eyes open even when sleeping. Therefore they symbolize ever-present wakefulness and awareness.
The interior of the fish is hollowed out so that when it is played a dull wooded tone is produced. A stick with a small knob on one end is used to strike the wooden fish in a consistent rhythm during scriptural recitation and chanting. The beating of the wooden fish establishes the temple’s readiness and steadies the mind so that the assembly can chant in unison.
The wooden fish ranges in size from large to miniature. The large wooden fish is placed on a stand near the main altar and is used for large assemblies. The medium sized wooden fish is used for smaller groups and the miniature fish is used as a hand-held instrument during walking meditation or at a home shrine.
Sources for Buddhist Instruments:
Herry Leong, Ritual Implements, Tools & Objects of Chinese Buddhism (Yuan Kuang Buddhist Publications, ISBN: 957-8896-22-0).
The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, The Seeker’s Glossary of Buddhist, ed. Van Hien Study Group, Taiwan 2011.
Bert Tan, Librarian of the Amitabha Buddhist Library in Chicago, interview by author, Lisle Illinois, 17 September 2011.
Renee Blixt - Renée Blixt holds an MBA and MHRM, and is a member of various yarn Guilds. She teaches business courses, crochet, knitting, and ...
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