Tingsha cymbals, also known as tingsha chimes, tingsha bells, meditation bells, wisdom cymbals, Tibetan cymbals, or simply tingsha, are two thick disc-shaped objects held together by a cord, and struck together to produce a meditative tone. They are tools used by Tibetan Buddhists to mark the beginning and the end of a prayer. Prayers, in the context of Buddhism, aren’t really directed towards a higher being. Buddhists usually meditate, chant, or recite mantras to attain spiritual enlightenment.
These cymbals aren’t just used in prayers and certain rituals nowadays. They are also utilized in sound healing therapy, as well as in producing music for yoga and meditation. In Reiki sound therapy for instance, the tones of tingsha and singing bowls aid in healing and meditation. They are believed to reduce stress, improve focus, and minimize the development of diseases along the way.
Tingsha cymbals came from Tibet. The term, tingsha is actually composed of two words. Ting represents the sound of the cymbals when struck, and sha is a Tibetan term which stands for hanging.
How Tingsha Cymbals Are Made
Making a pair of these requires some serious skills. The ability to make intricate symbols and making sure that the tones produced by each cymbal are accurate, entails mastery. They can either be handmade or molded. Either way, the finished product has several hours of manual labor under it.
The symbols on the cymbals actually have a corresponding meaning. In Buddhism, they are mostly about wisdom, protection, and luck.
Plain (no symbol) – symbolizes purity, simplicity
Om – symbolizes the sacred word; beginning and end of mantras
Om Mani Padme Hum – most popular mantra in Tibetan Buddhism; powerful meditation chant
Dragon – symbolizes creative power, wealth, and energy
Lucky Symbols (Eight Auspicious Symbols / Ashtamangala) – symbols that lead to the path of enlightenment
Aside from the styles, tinghas are also available in various sizes. They are labeled as Small, Medium, Large, or their exact diameter (in inches). The small ones start at about 1.75 inches, while the larger ones can go twice as big at around 3 inches.
The sound quality produced by the cymbals will depend on the size and how strongly they are struck. Smaller ones have sharp, high pitched tones, while large cymbals are deeper.
How To Use Tingsha Cymbals
Using these cymbals is pretty straightforward. There’s nothing special that needs to be done in order to activate their tones. Simply hold each one by the cord and gently smash their sides together. The slight collision should be enough to produce an audible sound that lasts for more than 30 seconds. Their sounds are really mesmerizing when used together with Tibetan singing bowls.
Watch the video below for a demonstration:
Tingsha cymbals have a variety of uses. Aside from the ones already mentioned above, they can also be used as purifiers by getting rid of negative energy that could otherwise cause health issues, or as a “luck ritual” before moving in to a new home or a new job.
The cymbals are also used in toning. It is a practice that involves sound and meditation as a way to release negative energy and reduce stress.
Where to Buy Them
Interested in these things for your sound and energy healing practice? Aside from the ones already mentioned above, here are some popular ones that are readily available online:
| IMAGE | ITEM | STYLE | SIZE | RATING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Juccini Tingsha Cymbals / Yoga Bell Chimes | Om | Small |  |
 | Om Nama shiva Mantra Engraved Tingsha Cymbals | Om Namah Shivaya (Hindu mantra) | 2.25 inches |  |
 | Tingsha Tibetan Bell - Buddhist Lucky Symbols | Ashtamangala | Medium |  |
 | Tingsha Tibetan Meditation Bell - Dragon Embossed | Tibetan Dragon | 2.5 inches | |
 | 11" Hand Hammered Tibetan Singing Bowl Set | Om | 2.5 inches | |
 | 5" Tibetan Singing Bowl Set | Om | 2.5 inches | |