Latest News from Yakyak
If you would like to read all the posts from Yakyak's Nepalese Diary please go to http://yakyakbowls.blogspot.com
There is now a new website to run along side the YakYak site called www.underthebodhitree.co.uk
Post by Anne Clarke - Yakyak
Cancellation of Singing Bowl Workshop in Totnes
Unfortunately we have had to cancel the singing bowl workshop due to the fact that we did not get enough interest. We did need a minimum of 12 people and we didn't achieve this. It was hoped that people would book in advance, so apologies to anyone who was just going to turn up on the day. Hopefully, we'll be able to plan another one for next year. We will try and advertise the workshop a little more widely next time and generate a little more interest.
Post by Anne Clarke - Yakyak
Playing a Tibetan Singing Bowl
I am very often asked for instructions on how to play a Tibetan singing bowl properly. I think the secret is not to try and rush it to get the best results. You need to sit down comfortably and rest the singing bowl in the palm of your hand without actually gripping it with your fingers. Just cup it in your hand as any pressure around the bottom of the singing bowl will stop it from vibrating when played, so stopping it "singing". Hold the stick (or beater as it is also known) as you would hold a pen or pencil with your fingers half way down it, stopping at the groves in the stick. Using a wrist action (rather like a stirring motion) gently rub the stick along the very outside rim of the singing bowl. You do not need to hit the singing bowl first, this will create a distorted sound. Just gently, with a bit of pressure, move the stick along the outside edge of the bowl. You should soon begin to feel the singing bowl vibrating slightly. This vibration will build up to produce the resonance. Try and keep the stick at the same angle on the singing bowl as in the photograph. As you become more experienced at playing a singing bowl you will obviously produce a much more refined and clear sound than you will initially. Using the suede side of the stick will produce a deeper, smoother sound than using the wooden end.
Post by Anne Clarke - Yakyak
