Meditation Bells – What Are They?

No equipment is absolutely essential for meditating – you can practice it by sitting quietly on the floor. However, there are certain kinds of props that some people like to use, such as meditation cushions, meditation chairs, incense, altar supplies, a meditation timer and much more. Among these props you may find meditation bells. They’re not essential, but for those using mantra, for example, they can be useful.

People use meditation bells because they create a peaceful atmosphere. Meditation is really best performed somewhere quiet, maybe with just the equipment you need, and natural sounds in the background. After all, you need to be able to dedicate your full attention and concentration to the meditation in order for it to be effective. Meditation takes a lot of mind power and self control, so silence helps the process.

If you’d like to try the meditation bells, we recommend using them at the beginning and end of each meditation practice, as a way of marking the start and finish of the session. The chime is a comforting and pleasant way of bringing yourself back to the material world after your time of peacefulness.

Most meditation bells are made from antique brass and a gold finish, but you can find different materials, which will create different sounds. They come in different shapes and sizes. The “dragon” bells are made by artisans. They make them using methods that have been used for generations, so that all their knowledge gets passed on down through the ancestral line. These bells (or chimes) are made of two pieces of bronze that are combined by string from the top of each bell. When the two pieces knock together, it produces a pure, magnificent sound that is used during the meditation to focus and free the mind of all thoughts. This is normally done before and after the technique has been performed.

The meditation bells are also very beautiful, so when they are not being used they can be put on display somewhere, as an ornament. Most traditional bells are antique as they were originally made sometime around the 17th century. The meditation bells that are made today are also good - but sometimes lack the craftsmanship of the antiques. That’s probably because not as much time and effort goes into the new kinds, and they are made with easier and cheaper alloys. It’s said that every single bell is unique in its own way, whether it’s on account of the harmonics, its looks, beauty or voice, each has something special.

If you want to hear the different sounds the meditation bells make, there are websites that offer demo or sample sounds, before you buy. You’ll also find a fair amount of printed and electronic information regarding meditation bells and other meditation equipment.

Meditation is wonderful, there’s no doubt about that. The silence of meditative practice, combined with the chimes of good-quality meditation bells, will leave you feeling soothed and spiritually cleansed. Usually, to try it is to love it!