Mention the word gong and your mind will probably conjure up the image of a large metal disc suspended using two poles. Stemming mostly from a movie stereotype or two, or from quiz shows, the gong is probably one of the best known Asian instruments, and probably one of the least known to be a meditation tool.
The history of the gong goes back to further than 2000 B.C, though the specific starting point is unknown. The length of gong usage can be seen partly from dug up remains, but also from the gongs which are still seen in abundance around Asia. Gongs are believed to bring good fortune to Asian houses since they are said to restore positive energy and this is the reason why meditation gongs exist.
The most commonly seen gong in the western world is often called the tam-tam, though there are plenty of gong shapes to choose from. Most western cultures use gongs as a form of music but meditation gongs are gaining more use and acceptance. Gongs come in more than one form and can either be suspended gongs, bowls or even bossed gongs.
Gongs produce a somewhat bell-like sound ad this is even more so in there bell form. Meditation benefits greatly from the use of gongs because they draw attention to sound, allowing for greater concentration. If you think a noisy clang is the sound of a good meditation gong then you have probably never heard a gong coaxed and then made to play. The sounds of well played gongs are in fact surprisingly relaxing and that is what the meditation use draws on.
Another relatively lesser known quality of meditation gongs in the western world are their healing properties. When most people think of gongs they visualize it being struck in order to create sound. In order to produce a healing sound though, gongs aren’t struck, rather they are gently tapped. It is also possible to run the mallet within the gong in a circular motion. This creates a sound which is more similar to a vibration rather than just a simple note. The vibrations of meditation gongs can produce a multitude of different types of sounds and these affect brainwaves and hence bring on the feeling of relaxation or even astral travel.
Gongs can also be used well in yoga. Since yoga is a method of breathing and exercise which relies on your energy it is not surprising that a tool of energy can be beneficial to its practice. People who have used gong sounds in yoga classes reportedly feel the immense energy of the gong as waves running through their bodies and along their spines. Healing and balance between the chakras is said to be extremely improved by the gong sounds and vibrations.
It’s very easy to judge books by their covers and this is probably why meditation gongs have been viewed mostly as musical instruments rather than healing instruments. The good thing about that though is that it means you have the opportunity to learn more about its healing and meditation properties. The gong isn’t the easiest meditation tool to play but practice will improve that skill and in the meantime many online resources and health centers will play it for you while you’re getting the hang of it.
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