Tingshas (ding-shas, cymbals) are used as musical offerings in spiritual practices, en during meditation practice, at regular intervals, in order to maintain concentration. “Musical offerings” are common in puja (praying rituals) and a number of instruments are used: bells, drums, cymbals and horns. Musical offerings are indeed standard in many Tibetan Buddhist and Hindi rituals. Today they are used by these and lay people alike. They are used with Feng Shui, meditation, cleansing, healing and alignment.
For what purposes can I use tingshas?
Strike the hand cymbals together and a beautiful, clear, high note will rise from them, clearing the air and creating an extraordinary stillness. The scintillating tone of the tingsha instantly strikes a resonance within the human heart. Their purpose is to summon, and they call us to awareness, to remember who we are, and to recognize our priorities in this often turbulent and illusive world. When they are suspended horizontally and struck together, a delightful, oscillating wave of sound seems to pass between them as they reverberate at a high frequency, creating an impressive symphony of haunting sounds.
Tingshas and Feng Shui
Tingshas are also used in Feng Shui to clear the energy present in a room and "open" it by sounding the tingshas in the four corners of a room. A great way to clear energy when smudging is not appropriate!
Tingshas and healing sound
By healing or balancing auric fields, they are also used to define the beginning and the end of a period of meditation. Some say the use of tingshas is like a summons. It brings us into the here and now.
How to store tingshas
As with many altar offerings, we recommend placing them wrapped in cloth when not in use, or in the special tingsha brocade holder with two compartments (cloth).
Decoration of tingshas
The casting may include decoration of the upper surfaces - usually depicting dragons, the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum", the Tibetan eight auspicious symbols or just plain.
Composition of tingshas
Each tingsha is individually sand cast of a variety of metals, typically from a minimum of three. Most cymbals are made of bronze, consisting of copper and tin primarily, with small amounts of nickel occasionally added.
Superior tingshas are made of seven (7) or more (up to 12) metal bell alloys, producing a powerful harmonic resonance when played.
