Material: Copper. Leather cord. One pair (not sold separately)

Size: 7 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, the small cymbals (Tibetan: སིལ་སྙན་, Willy transliteration: sil snyan, Tibetan pinyin: Silnyen, or "hand cymbals") are an important ritual instrument, usually used in pairs, called "Tingshag" (Tibetan: ཏིང་ཤགས་, Tingshag) or "Rolmo". They are widely used in Tantric rituals, ceremonies and practices, and are paired with other ritual instruments such as damaru and drilbu to create a sacred sound atmosphere. The following will discuss in detail the origin, symbolic meaning and use of small cymbals in Tibetan Buddhism.

1. Origin of the small cymbals

1. **Historical and cultural roots**

The origin of the small cymbals can be traced back to the Tantric tradition of ancient Indian Buddhism, especially the Indian Tantric temples (such as Nalanda) in the 7th and 8th centuries. As a percussion instrument, cymbals have a long history in the ritual music of Hinduism and Buddhism, used to accompany mantras and dances. With the introduction of Tibetan Buddhism to Tibet in the 7th century (during the reign of Songtsen Gampo), small cymbals were introduced to Tibet and merged with the music and ritual elements of the local Bon religion, gradually becoming a symbolic instrument of Tibetan Buddhist Tantric ceremonies.

- **Indian Buddhist influence**: In India, cymbals are often used in Buddhist and Hindu religious ceremonies, symbolizing the rhythm and harmony of the universe. Tibetan Buddhism absorbed this tradition and used small cymbals in Tantric rituals, especially in offerings to the deity and summoning guardian gods.

- **Bon fusion**: The Bon religion used drums and cymbals for sacrificial and exorcist rituals, which influenced the design and use of Tibetan Buddhist cymbals. The Bon tradition of drumming added a local flavor to the ritual music of Tibetan Buddhism.

2. **Popularization by Padmasambhava**

In the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava (8th century) is credited with popularizing the use of cymbals. He introduced tantric rituals to Tibet, teaching followers to use cymbals and other ritual instruments (such as ding-ka) to accompany mantras and visualizations to enhance the power of practice. The sound of cymbals is believed to purify the environment, call upon the deity, and dispel negative energy.

3. **Manufacture and form**

Cymbals are usually made of metal (such as copper, bronze, or brass), about 5-10 cm in diameter, and are used in pairs. Each cymbal has a raised point in the center, and the two cymbals strike each other to produce a clear and loud sound. The cymbals are often engraved with mantras (such as "Om Mani Padme Hum"), eight auspicious symbols or other religious patterns to add to their sacredness. Cloth strips or leather ropes are tied to the cymbals for easy hand-held striking. In some high-level Tantric rituals, silver or gold cymbals may be used to symbolize higher offerings and blessings.

2. The symbolic meaning of small cymbals

1. **The unity of wisdom and compassion**

In Tibetan Buddhism, small cymbals are often used with bells (drilbu) to symbolize the unity of wisdom (prajñā) and compassion (karuṇā). Pairs of cymbals represent the harmony of dualistic opposites (such as exoteric and esoteric, birth and death), and the sound when struck symbolizes the state of transcending duality and realizing emptiness (Śūnyatā). This symbol is consistent with the Tantric concept of "the union of wisdom and compassion".

2. **Purification and awakening**

The clear sound of the small cymbals is believed to have the power to purify the environment and mind. Its sound can dispel negative energy, evil spirits and karma, and purify the venue of the ceremony or the practice space. At the same time, the sound of the cymbals is regarded as a tool to awaken the minds of all beings, reminding practitioners to focus on the present and realize impermanence and the Dharma.

3. **Rhythm and harmony of the universe**

The sound of the small cymbals simulates the vibration of the universe, echoing with the spiritual power of the Sanskrit sound "Aum" or mantra. In the Tibetan Buddhist cosmology, sound is a bridge connecting the individual to the universe. The sound of the cymbals represents the rhythm and harmony of the universe, helping practitioners to integrate into the Dharmadhatu.

4. **Offering and invocation**

The small cymbals are used to offer to the Buddha, the deity or the guardian deity in the ceremony. Its sound is believed to please the deity and invoke its presence and blessings. In Tantric rituals, the sound of cymbals often accompanies the presentation of offerings (such as incense, flowers, and lamps), symbolizing piety and merit.

5. **Reminder of Impermanence**

The short sound of the small cymbals symbolizes the impermanence of life (Anicca). Its sound is heard in an instant and disappears quickly, reminding practitioners of the brevity of life, motivating them to practice diligently and transcend samsara.

III. How to use small cymbals

1. **Tantric rituals and pujas**

- **Accompanying mantras**: Small cymbals are used in pujas with mantras (such as the six-syllable mantra) or chanting of scriptures to create rhythm and a sacred atmosphere. For example, in the Avalokitesvara puja or Vajrasattva practice, the sound of cymbals is used to mark the nodes of the ritual and enhance the power of the practice.

- **Invoking the deity and guardian**: The sound of cymbals is believed to be able to summon the deity (such as Avalokitesvara, Vajrapani) or guardian deity (such as Mahakala, Auspicious Mother), purify the venue and protect the puja from interference.

- **Purification and exorcism**: In the rituals of opening, blessing or healing, the sound of small cymbals is used to dispel evil spirits and negative energy, purify the environment or the body and mind of the patient.

2. **Personal practice**

- **Meditation aid**: Practitioners use small cymbals in retreat or personal meditation, and adjust their breathing and mood by hitting the sound, and enter a state of concentration. The rhythm of the cymbals helps to stabilize the mind, similar to the rhythmic function of dingka.

- **Chöd**: In the practice of "Chöd", small cymbals are paired with dingka, accompanied by specific melodies and mantras, to simulate the sounds of impermanence and death, helping practitioners to let go of attachment and visualize offerings to themselves.

3. **Pilgrimage and circumambulation**

In the holy places in Tibet (such as the Potala Palace in Lhasa and Mount Kailash), pilgrims sometimes carry small cymbals and use them in Kora or ceremonies, combining chanting mantras with offerings to accumulate merit. The sound of cymbals adds a sacred atmosphere to the pilgrimage and attracts the blessings of the deity.

4. **Music and Dance**

Small cymbals are used as accompaniment in the religious dances (Tibetan: ཆམ་, Cham) of Tibetan Buddhism, especially in the dances of the guardian deities or festivals. The sound of cymbals, combined with instruments such as drums and horns, creates a solemn and mysterious atmosphere, symbolizing the rhythm of the universe.

IV. Applications of Different Sects

1. **Nyingma (Red Sect)**

The Nyingma sect uses small cymbals in Terma rituals and Avalokitesvara practices, emphasizing their purification and summoning functions. The sound of cymbals is often accompanied by the mantra of Guru Padmasambhava (such as "Om Ah Hum Benza Guru Pema Siddhi Hum"), enhancing the sacredness of the ceremony.

2. **Kagyu (White Sect)**

Kagyu use small cymbals in retreat and Mahāmudrā practice to help practitioners focus on observing the mind. The sound of cymbals is particularly important in the ascetic practice of Milarepa's tradition, symbolizing the subjugation of the mind.

3. **Sakya (Flower Sect)**

Sakya use small cymbals in the rituals of the treasure guardian and Lam Dre, focusing on their combination with the bell and pestle, symbolizing the unity of wisdom and compassion. Cymbals are used to mark key stages in the Sakya empowerment ceremony.

4. **Gelug (Yellow Sect)**

Gelug use small cymbals in large-scale ceremonies (such as the anniversary of Tsongkhapa's death), accompanied by scripture chanting and offering ceremonies. Gelug emphasizes the purification function of cymbals, and often uses them in Medicine Buddha or Avalokitesvara ceremonies.

5. Modern influence of small cymbals

1. **Globalization**

As Tibetan Buddhism spread to Europe, America and Asia, small cymbals became common instruments in Buddhist centers and meditation courses. Western practitioners used them in meditation and rituals, viewing their sound as a tool for concentration and purification. Small cymbals also appeared in the New Age movement as an aid to spiritual practice.

2. **Culture and Art**

The exquisite design of small cymbals (especially cymbals engraved with mantras or auspicious symbols) has become a representative of Tibetan handicrafts, often seen in temple decorations and the collectibles market. Its sound also appears in Tibetan music and movies, adding cultural characteristics.

3. **Modern Innovation**

Modern Tibetan areas and the West sometimes use electronic simulations of cymbal sounds or modified metal cymbals to adapt to different environments. Although these innovations are convenient to use, traditionalists believe that the sound of handmade metal cymbals is more spiritually powerful.

4. **Ecology and Ethics**

The compassionate concept of Tibetan Buddhism prompts believers to pay attention to the sustainable production of instruments. For example, traditional small cymbals use natural metals, while modern production focuses on environmentally friendly materials to reduce the impact on the ecology.

VI. Summary

The small cymbals (Dingxia or Luoerba) are important instruments in Tibetan Buddhism. They originated from the Tantric tradition of ancient Indian Buddhism, and were integrated with the Bon religion in Tibet. They became ritual instruments of Tibetan Buddhism in the 7th century during the Tubo period. Its crisp sound symbolizes the unity of wisdom and compassion, the purification of karma, the harmony of the universe, and the reminder of impermanence. It is widely used in Tantric ceremonies, personal practice, pilgrimage, and religious dance. Different sects (such as the Nyingma and Kagyu sects) have slightly different focuses on the use of small cymbals, but its core function is to purify, summon, and enhance the power of practice. With the globalization of Tibetan Buddhism, small cymbals have become a symbol of religion and culture, reflecting Tibetan Buddhism's pursuit of wisdom, compassion, and cosmic order.