If you go to a concert with singing bowls, you will usually come across the penetrating sound of tingshas. Like singing bowls, these small cymbals, which are usually attached to either end of a cord or leather thong, are considered ritual artifacts. They are used by Buddhist monks but are also used in the Shamanic tradition. Their origin is no longer clear, but it is known that in general, they are made from an alloy of seven metals, just like singing bowls. In some tingshas, the iron is replaced by meteorite, the 'celestial' metal which gives the instruments their pearly shine. The final alloy is sand-cast and carefully tuned to obtain a pure tone. The sound of tingshas is like a summons. It brings us to the here and now moment. In meditation, tingshas are used to indicate the beginning and the end. These high quality tingshas are about 2-5/8 inches in diameter.
