Tingsha Bells/Cymbals

These Lotus Tingsha bells (hand cymbals) are engraved with one of the best known and most often used mantras of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, 'om mani padre hum'. The mantra is translated as 'Hail of the Jewel in the Heart of the Lotus' and its sound is supposed to ring throughout the universe, telling of the victorious power of freedom that is to save all beings. The undersides of the Tingsha are inscribed in each of the four cardinal directions with the three sacred Tibetan syllables Om A Hum. The three syllables are engraved in an anticlockwise sequence, and they represent the three aspects of enlightened body (Om), speech (A) and mind (Hum). These correspond to the spiritual concept of purity in deed (body), word (speech) and thought (mind). The Tingsha are 7 cm in diameter and they produce a lovely, clear sound.
 
ch 2012