Material: Bionic animal. Leg bone. Musical instrument. Used in temple rituals

Size: 27 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, the leg bone instrument (Tibetan: kangling) is a ritual instrument made of human or animal tibia (usually thigh bone), mainly used in Tantric rituals, especially in rituals related to the practice of "Chöd". The following is a brief description of the meaning and origin of leg bone instruments:

**The meaning of leg bone instruments**

1. **The symbol of impermanence and emptiness**:

Leg bone instruments are made of human or animal bones, directly reminding practitioners of the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death. The sound produced when playing the kangling symbolizes awakening sentient beings from ignorance and recognizing the empty nature of all things.

2. **Subjugation of demons and purification**:

The sound of the kangling is believed to have powerful spiritual power in Tantric rituals, which can drive away evil spirits, purify the environment, and summon the blessings of the guardian gods or the deity. It is particularly important in the practice of "severance", used to cut off self-attachment and worldly greed.

3. **Symbol of compassion and generosity**:

In the practice of "severance", the blowing of the kangling symbolizes the donation of one's own body and attachment to sentient beings (including non-human demons or hungry ghosts), embodying the great compassion of selflessness and altruism.

4. **Connecting life and death**:

As a ritual instrument made of human bones, the kangling symbolizes the connection between life and death, reminding practitioners to transcend the duality and recognize the truth that life and death are the same.

**The origin of leg bone instruments**

1. **History and inheritance**:

The use of leg bone instruments is mainly closely related to the practice of "severance" (Chöd) in Tibetan Buddhism, which was founded by the 11th-century Tibetan Buddhist female yogi **Machig Labdrön**. Machig Lazun combined the teachings of Indian Tantra with the local Tibetan traditions to develop a practice centered on the elimination of self-attachment, and the Kangling is an important ritual implement in the ritual of breaking the shakti.

2. **Making and material selection**:

- Traditionally, Kangling is made from human tibia (especially thigh bones), and the most ideal is from the bones of practitioners or saints, because they are believed to have special blessings.

- In some cases, animal bones (such as sheep or cattle) are also used, especially in modern times for ethical considerations or legal restrictions.

- Bones are usually specially processed, drilled at both ends, and sometimes inlaid with metal or gems to enhance their function as instruments.

3. **Core tools of the practice of breaking the shakti**:

In the practice of breaking the shakti, practitioners donate their bodies to sentient beings through visualization, and summon ghosts or demons with the sound of Kangling, while purifying their inner fears and attachments. The sound of Kangling is believed to penetrate the three realms and connect the visible and invisible existence.

**Usage scenarios and rituals**

- **The practice of breaking the line**: Kangling is the main instrument in the ritual of breaking the line. Practitioners play Kangling in specific places (such as cemeteries or wilderness) to summon sentient beings and perform alms visualization to break self-attachment.

- **Other Tantric rituals**: Kangling is also used in some demon-subduing, obstacle-removing or salvation rituals. Its sound is believed to dispel negative energy or summon guardian gods.

- **Symbolism of sound**: The low and strange sound emitted by Kangling not only has practical ritual functions, but also symbolizes the power to awaken sentient beings and break ignorance.

**Cultural and modern significance**

- **Cultural symbol**: Kangling is not only a practical instrument in Tibetan Buddhism, but also a strong symbol of impermanence and liberation. It often appears in thangkas, temple murals or stories of practitioners.

- **Modern challenges**: Because the use of human bones may cause ethical or legal issues, modern Tibetan Buddhists sometimes use metal or other materials instead of Kangling, but traditionally, bone Kangling is still the most sacred.

**Summary**

The leg bone instrument (Kangling) is an important instrument for the practice of sabbatical practice and tantric rituals in Tibetan Buddhism. It symbolizes impermanence, emptiness and compassion, and plays a core role in the sabbatical tradition founded by Machig Lazun. Its origin is closely related to the development of Tibetan Buddhism and the integration of local culture. Through its special sound and symbolic meaning, it helps practitioners to break away from attachment, purify obstacles, and ultimately realize the way to liberation.

Bionic leg bone instrument