The prayer bell is an instrument which summons the spirits and deities in much the same way as
tingshaws. In Buddhist pujas, the bell is sounded at the moment that the form of the Buddha, for
whom the ritual is held, is present in the room. The prayer bell is used in rituals and in meditation
and represents wisdom. The dorje represents the male principle and is held in the right hand while
the bell represents the female principle and is held in the left hand. The interaction of the bell and
dorje is made to lead toward enlightenment. Before a prayer or chanting one would ring or "sing"
the bell to clear the mind of worldly matters and dispel stress and tension.
In Tibetan Buddism the Dorje (called Vajra by the Hindus) is used by the Gods to make lightning
and is often called the thunderbolt mandala. Lamas are often drawn holding Dorjes between thumb
and forfinger. The bell can be rung, struck like a gong or made to sing like the Tibetan singing
bowls. It is the singing sound of "OM"- the primordial sound of creation upon which the Vedas are
based. You can make it sing by lightly caressing the outer part in circular motions with the dorje.
The bell is 8" high, elaborately designed and detailed. Into the handle of the bell is the face of the
Buddha. The sound from this bell is simply stunning as the bells are made with the same 7 metals
as the famous Nepal singing bowls. It is balanced to sing in "D". When made to ring, the bell
sounds in the 2nd and 3rd octave of "D'. As the tone purifies it will move solely into the 3rd octave. |
