Tibetan Singing Bowls: Full Moon, Green Tara & Etched Bowl Guide

Full Moon singing bowls are hand-hammered during the full moon — a traditional Nepalese practice believed to imbue the metal with a purer, more resonant tone. The increased gravitational pull of the full moon is said to draw out the crystalline structure of the seven-metal alloy used in traditional bowl-making. Whether or not you follow this belief, Full Moon bowls have earned a devoted following among sound healers and meditation practitioners for the clarity and sustain of their ring. They are typically undecorated — the focus is entirely on the sound. Full Moon bowls in our collection range from small 3-inch bowls (higher pitch) to large 7-inch and 9-inch bowls (deep, grounding bass tones).

Green Tara singing bowls are engraved with the mantra and image of Tara — the female bodhisattva of compassion and swift liberation in Tibetan Buddhism. The engraving is done by hand using a metal stylus, and each bowl carries a slightly different version of the image depending on the artisan. The Green Tara is associated with healing, protection, and the removal of obstacles. These bowls are a popular choice for practitioners who wish to combine sound healing with devotional or spiritual practice. The interior inscription of the mantra OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SVAHA adds an additional dimension of meaning when the bowl is in use.

Our antique and etched Tibetan bowls feature hand-worked surface decoration applied after the bowl is formed — bands of geometric patterns, lotus motifs, prayer inscriptions, and auspicious symbols from Tibetan sacred art. Older-style bowls with a hammered and aged patina give a sense of history and depth that resonates with collectors and serious practitioners alike. These bowls are not merely decorative — they are fully functional instruments with the same tonal quality as our other ranges, and they double as beautiful display objects.

There are two main techniques for playing a singing bowl: 1. Strike playing: Hold the bowl in the flat of your non-dominant hand. Using the wooden or felt mallet, strike the rim firmly. Allow the vibration to ring out and hold the bowl steady — any movement will dampen the tone. 2. Rim playing: Place the bowl on a cushion or in the flat of your hand. Press the mallet gently but firmly against the outer rim and move it around the rim in a circular motion at a steady speed. After a few rotations, the bowl begins to 'sing' — a sustained, overtone-rich tone. Experimentation is key. Pressure, speed, and the angle of the mallet all change the character of the tone. Felt mallets produce a softer sound; wooden mallets give a brighter, crisper ring.