Material: Small cymbals. Dingga. Brass.

Size: Approximately 10.5 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, **cymbals** (Tibetan: སིལ་སྙན་, Willy transliteration: sil snyan, Tibetan pinyin: Silnyen, or "Dingshag", Tibetan: ཏིང་ཤགས་, Tingshag; large cymbals are called "Rolmo") are an important ritual instrument, often used in pairs, and widely used in Tantric rituals, ceremonies and spiritual activities. It is paired with other ritual instruments such as damaru and drilbu to produce a clear and loud sound, creating a sacred atmosphere and having a profound symbolic meaning. The following will briefly and comprehensively describe the origin, symbolism and usage of cymbals in Tibetan Buddhism, combined with the background and sect characteristics of Tibetan Buddhism.

1. Origin of cymbals

1. **Historical and cultural roots**

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

- **Indian Buddhist influence**: In ancient India, cymbals were used in Buddhist and Hindu religious ceremonies, symbolizing the rhythm and harmony of the universe. Its sound is believed to evoke the presence of gods or deities and purify the environment. This tradition was introduced to Tibet along with Tantric Buddhism and evolved into the Dingshag and Lorba of Tibetan Buddhism.

- **Bon fusion**: Bon religion used drums and cymbals for sacrifice, exorcism and blessing, which influenced the design and use of Tibetan Buddhist cymbals. The melody and rhythm tradition of Bon religion was integrated into the ritual music of Tibetan Buddhism, adding local characteristics.

- **Popularization of Guru Padmasambhava**: In the Nyingma tradition, Guru Padmasambhava (8th century) is considered to have popularized the use of cymbals. He incorporated cymbals into Tantric rituals and taught believers to use cymbal sounds to accompany mantras and visualizations to enhance the power of practice, purify the environment and call upon the deity.

2. **Production and form**

Cymbals are divided into small and large types:

- **Small cymbals (Tingshag)**: About 5-10 cm in diameter, used in pairs, made of copper, bronze or brass, with a raised point in the center, and two cymbals hitting each other produce a crisp sound. The cymbals are often engraved with mantras (such as "Om Mani Padme Hum") or eight auspicious symbols, and are tied with cloth strips or leather ropes for easy holding.

- **Large cymbals (Rolmo)**: with a larger diameter (more than 20 cm), they are used in large ceremonies or religious dances, with a loud and magnificent sound.

The production of cymbals must follow religious norms. Some high-level rituals use silver or gold cymbals, which symbolize higher offerings and blessings.

2. The symbolic meaning of cymbals

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

Cymbals are often used with bells (drilbu). Pairs of cymbals symbolize the unity of wisdom (Prajñā) and compassion (Karuṇā). The sound of two cymbals hitting each other represents the harmony of duality (such as exoteric and esoteric Buddhism, worldly and transcendental), embodying the concept of "dual cultivation" in Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, guiding practitioners to transcend duality and realize emptiness (Śūnyatā).

2. **Purification and awakening**

The crisp sound of cymbals is believed to purify the environment, dispel negative energy, evil spirits and karma (negative karma). Its sound awakens the mind of practitioners, reminding them to focus on the present, realize impermanence and the true meaning of Buddhism. The sound of cymbals marks the beginning and end of rituals in the ceremony, enhancing the sacred atmosphere.

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

The sound of 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 Dharmadhatu. The sound of cymbals symbolizes the rhythm and harmony of the universe, helping practitioners to integrate into the cosmic order.

4. **Offering and Invocation**

The sound of cymbals is an offering to the Buddha, deity or guardian deity, expressing devotion and respect. Its sound is believed to please the deity and invoke its presence and blessings. It is especially used in Tantric rituals to worship Avalokitesvara, Vajrasattva or guardian deities (such as Ratnakara and Auspicious Mother).

5. **Reminder of Impermanence**

The short sound of the cymbals sounds instantly and disappears quickly, symbolizing the impermanence of life (Anicca). This characteristic reminds practitioners of the brevity of life and motivates them to practice diligently and transcend the suffering of samsara.

III. How to use cymbals

1. **Tantric rituals and pujas**

- **Accompanying mantras and chanting**: Cymbals are used in pujas with mantras (such as the six-syllable mantra) or sutras to create rhythm and enhance the sacredness of the ritual. For example, in Avalokitesvara pujas or Vajrasattva practices, the sound of cymbals marks key stages of the ritual.

- **Invoking the deity and guardian**: The sound of cymbals is used to summon the deity (such as Green Tara) or guardian deity (such as Mahakala), purify the venue, and ensure the success of the ceremony.

- **Purification and exorcism**: In the ceremony of opening, blessing or healing, the sound of cymbals dispels evil spirits and negative energy, purifies the environment or the body and mind of the patient.

2. **Personal practice**

- **Meditation aid**: Practitioners use small cymbals (dingxia) in retreat or meditation, and adjust their breathing and mood by striking the sound, entering a state of concentration, similar to the rhythmic function of dingka.

- **Cut off the ego (Chöd): In the practice of "cutting off the ego", cymbals and dingka are combined with specific melodies and mantras to simulate impermanence and death, helping practitioners let go of attachment and visualize offerings to themselves.

3. **Religious dance and music**

Cymbals are used as accompaniment instruments in Tibetan Buddhist religious dances (Tibetan: ཆམ་, Cham), especially in the dance of guardian deities or festivals (such as the Tibetan New Year). Large cymbals (lorba) are used in conjunction with drums and horns to create a solemn and mysterious atmosphere, symbolizing the rhythm of the universe.

4. **Pilgrimage and circumambulation**

Pilgrims occasionally use small cymbals when circumambulating holy places (such as the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa and Kailash Kailash), combined with chanting mantras and turning prayer wheels, to enhance merit and the sacred atmosphere.

4. Applications of different sects

1. **Nyingma Sect (Red Sect)**

The Nyingma sect uses 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"), which enhances the effect of the ceremony.

2. **Kagyu (White Sect)**

The Kagyu sect focuses on the practice of Mahāmudrā. Cymbals are used in retreat and mind-regulation to help practitioners focus on observing the nature of the mind, especially in the practice of Milarepa's tradition.

3. **Sakya (Flower Sect)**

The Sakya sect uses cymbals in the Lam Dre and treasure protection rituals, paired with bells and pestles, symbolizing the unity of wisdom and compassion. The sound of cymbals marks key stages in the initiation ceremony.

4. **Gelugpa (Yellow Sect)**

The Gelugpa used cymbals in large-scale ceremonies (such as the anniversary of Tsongkhapa's death), accompanied by chanting of scriptures and offerings, emphasizing their purification function, especially in the practice of Medicine Buddha or Treasure King.

V. Modern influence of cymbals

1. **Globalization**

As Tibetan Buddhism spread to Europe, America and Asia, cymbals became a common instrument in Buddhist centers and meditation courses. Western practitioners regard their sound as a tool for concentration and purification, and often use them in meditation.

2. **Culture and Art**

The exquisite design of cymbals (engraved with mantras or auspicious symbols) has become a representative of Tibetan handicrafts, appearing in temple decorations and the collection market. Its sound also adds cultural characteristics to Tibetan music and film and television.

3. **Modern Innovation**

Modern times sometimes use modified metal cymbals or electronic simulated cymbal sounds to adapt to different environments. Traditionalists believe that the sound of handmade metal cymbals is more spiritually empowering.

4. **Ecology and Ethics**

The compassion concept of Tibetan Buddhism has prompted believers to pay attention to the materials used to make cymbals, and advocate the use of sustainable metals to reduce environmental impact.

VI. Summary

Cymbals (Dingxia or Luoerba) are important instruments in Tibetan Buddhism. They originated from the ancient Indian Tantric tradition, and after being integrated with Bon religion, they became the core tool of Tantric rituals in the 7th century Tubo period. Its crisp sound symbolizes the unity of wisdom and compassion, the purification of karma, cosmic harmony and the reminder of impermanence. It is widely used in ceremonies, personal practice and religious dances. Various sects (such as Nyingma and Gelug) have slightly different focuses on the use of cymbals, but their core functions are purification, summoning and offering. With the globalization of Tibetan Buddhism, cymbals have become a symbol of religion and culture, reflecting Tibetan Buddhism's pursuit of wisdom, compassion and cosmic order.

Small cymbals. Dinga Storage Box