History

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  Himalayan shamans used gongs in ancient rituals. Gradually burgeoning Tibetan Buddhism incorporated the Himalayan cultural use of gongs into Buddhist practices. Nepali use of gongs has distinctive cultural character, the uses and types of gongs are distinctively Tibetan Buddhist. Although the precise historical origins of Asian gongs are unknown, some historians speculate that Asian gongs predate the second millennium B.C. Asian bells have been found that are much older.
  
  

Significance

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  Gongs play a central role in Tibetan Buddhist practice. For Bhutanese and Tibetan Buddhists, gongs resonate with the sound of all reality: "Aum." Buddhists chant with the sound of a gong, which they believe brings them nearer to Nirvana and release from suffering and the causes of suffering. When a gong is "invited" (never struck), Buddhists are reminded to bring their attention to their spiritual practice.
  
  

Function

• Nepali gongs generally are made of bronze, copper or other metals. Ancient gongs included precious metals, but modern bowls are not as elaborate or valuable. A singing bowl or gong is hung suspended between two poles (some forms of "singing" bowls also are considered gongs). A monk or nun gently "invites" a gong by tapping a felt-covered mallet around the circular area that surrounds the gong's center. The gong then vibrates. As the vibration continues, one follows the vibration sometimes silently, sometimes by chanting "Aum" or other mantras, thereby achieving harmony with the gong's vibration. Although contemporary handmade bowls create complex harmonics, mass-produced bowls produce less varied vibrations. Ancient bowls are highly prized for their precious metals, but primarily for their warmth of sound and harmonic range.
  
  

Types

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  Nepali gongs usually are bowl types. One rubs a soft-headed mallet along the rim of a singing bowl to produce the ringing harmonic. Tibetan Buddhists chant with the resulting sound or the vibration is used to call attention to events and passing time. Chinese gongs, which are suspended on stands, come in various sizes, with corresponding mallet sizes.
  
  

Considerations

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  In the West, Buddhism has become an industry and authenticity is not always central to merchants' missions. An excellent resource is tibet.com, the official website for Tibet in exile. Consider also seeking out a local Tibetan Buddhist temple or teaching center where you can learn to approach a Nepali gong in the proper spirit.