Here’s Why Curiosity is Key
Be like a tree; deeply rooted in your core values but ever-reaching towards new light and growth. - Unknown
When we open our minds to new ideas, refrain from judging what is different from our norm, and strive to understand, an open-minded approach contributes to a more enriching and harmonious life experience, personally and within the community.
I posted a flyer advertising my upcoming Sound Bath class on the Nextdoor app. A viewer, who I will call Donald, mentioned the similarity of one of the bowls displayed in my flyer to a Rin bowl used in rituals and daily gongyo (Liturgy). He explained that Rin bowls are made in different sizes, how they are used, and that temples have larger ones.
The instrument he identified in my flyer is a Tibetan bowl. I searched the Rin bowl online and discovered that the Rin gong bowl is another type of Tibetan singing bowl. The sound was similar but deeper than my Tibetan bowls; the tone was equally soothing. We continued communicating, and I invited him to join my sound bath class.
Donald thanked me for the offer but clearly stated that it would be odd for him to participate in using the instruments in ways that were not originally intended. However, “if lay people, and those who do not know what the bowls are used for, want to use them for those reasons, I think it is fine.” He ended his comment with “Gassho.”
Some may find his comments offensive, and although sound healing has gained popularity in Western society, I respect that sound healing is a century-old ancient practice deeply rooted in cultural and religious beliefs. His reference to a Temple signaled a significant spiritual connection. Rather than debate, turn the narrative into another angry social media thread or attempt to clarify my intentions with my sound healing practice, I tarried an open mind and researched his last word, Gassho, as the term was unfamiliar to me.
Gassho is a gesture that plays a role in Buddhist etiquette. It is the natural expression of reverence and gratitude and means to put the hands together. The palms of both hands are placed together with the fingers and thumbs extended and often with the onenju (beads, also called the ojuzu) encircling both hands, symbolizing Oneness. The gesture has multiple meanings, such as hello and goodbye, but most importantly, it expresses profound honor and respect.
I thanked Donald for his feedback and insight and told him I respected his culture and traditional practice. I don’t know his age, race, or background; however, I realize the difficulty many people have in accepting the immersion of ancient spiritual and cultural traditions from those viewed as outsiders or “lay people.” From our brief exchange, I am grateful because it gave me the opportunity to learn more about other customs and to explore adding value to my practice. The fact is I deeply value and respect the cultural and traditional practices that enrich our sound healing community.
My sound healing practice is dedicated to providing a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can experience deep emotional and physical healing. Through the use of various sound healing instruments, such as Tibetan singing bowls, crystal singing bowls, and Zaphir chimes, I aim to help clients release tension, reduce stress, and achieve a state of balance and harmony. Each session is tailored to the individual's unique needs, and I strive to create a nurturing space where clients can explore and transform their inner landscape.