Tibetan Buddhist Tingshas

Tingshas are often used by Tibetan Buddhist practitioners during meditation. A tingsha is a pair of cymbals connected by a strap. Tingshas produce a clear, high-pitched tone when they are brought together. Each tingsha bell measures between two and four inches in diameter. Tingshas often have decoration on the outside, such as the om mani padme hum mantra or other such decoration. This mantra invokes the Buddha of compassion, Chenrezig. Other tingshas are embossed with om ah hung, which represents the attainment of enlightenment. Tingshas can also be embellished with other religious symbols or icons, which gives the instrument deeper spiritual qualities. Tingshas are primarily used to clear the mind during meditation. Tingshas are also used in feng shui practices.

Tingshas are produced by craftsmen who mold metal made of a combination of up to 12 metals. The primary substance used is bell bronze, which is 80% copper and 20% tin. Iron, gold, silver, and zinc are also used. Tingshas are produced in many areas of southern Asia, including Nepal and India. Tibetan refugees are often the makers of tingshas in these countries. Each tingsha is hand-tuned to a specific musical note. Each cymbal on the tingsha has a slightly different pitch.

Crafting tingshas is a complex process, and it involves many critical steps. The vast majority of finished tingshas do not pass inspection. To make tingshas, artisans first design the tingsha, and build a mold to their specifications. When the mold is completely, the alloy mixture is heated to 2,000 degrees, and the melted metal is put in a ladle. Copper is added to purify the alloy right before the alloy is poured into the mold. Copper causes impurities to flow to the surface, which are then skimmed off. The leftover metal is put aside to harden and be used in the future.

Tingshas are then left to dry. When the tingsha is ready, it is inspected for warps, cracks, or other defects. If it isn't perfect, the tingsha is recast. The tingsha is then sand-blasted to make it shine. Now the tingsha is tuned. The tingsha is tuned by hammering, shaving, grinding, or trimming. The two cymbals of the tingsha are then put together by a cotton or leather strap.

Tingshas are graded for quality in a process that is similar to Tibetan singing bowls. Higher metals such as silver raise the quality of tingshas. Quality casting will also result in a higher grade. The quality of the tingsha's ring is the most important factor. A tingsha is also considered of higher value if it holds its tone longer when struck.