Tibetan Mantra Cymbals – Tingsha 6 cm, Om Mani Padme Hum (186 g)

Kunsang

"Om Mani Padme Hum – that is the mantra of compassion. It is written on these cymbals, and when you strike them, the sound carries the mantra into the room. It's not just a noise. It's a prayer."

Tibetan Mantra Cymbals – Tingsha 6 cm with Om Mani Padme Hum (186 g)

These Tingsha cymbals have a diameter of 6 cm and weigh 186 grams. What distinguishes them from the plain versions in our assortment is immediately visible: the entire outer surface bears the Tibetan mantra Om Mani Padme Hum (ཨོཾ་མ་ཎི་པདྨེ་ཧཱུྃ) as a raised engraving – the six syllables of the compassion mantra, arranged around the dome. The dome itself bears a lotus flower motif, and the inside a Dharma wheel. Every detail of these cymbals carries meaning.

At 186 grams, they are slightly heavier than the plain 6 cm cymbals (202 g) – the sound is full and deep, with a long sustain. The leather strap is black, and the surface has a slightly matte, golden patina that gives the brass a warm, aged character.

Om Mani Padme Hum – what does this mantra mean?

Om Mani Padme Hum is the most famous mantra in Tibetan Buddhism – the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The six syllables represent the purification of the six realms of existence and the cultivation of compassion, wisdom, and inner liberation. In Tibet, one encounters this mantra everywhere: on prayer flags, Mani stones, prayer wheels – and, indeed, on cymbals. When the cymbals are struck, the sound becomes a carrier of the mantra.

Mantra cymbals vs. plain cymbals – what's the difference?

Sonically, both versions are similar – the difference lies in the dimension of meaning. Plain cymbals are pure sound instruments. Mantra cymbals are both: a sound instrument and a carrier of a prayer. For those for whom Tibetan tradition and its symbols are important, mantra cymbals are the deeper choice.

Application – how to do it

• Hold the leather strap in one hand, with both cymbals hanging freely downwards.
• Lightly strike the edges of the two cymbals against each other – not the flat sides, but the edges.
• Immediately release and let the sound resonate – listen in silence as it fades.
• For a softer sound, strike at an angle; for a clearer, fuller tone, strike edge to edge directly.

Care

• The raised engraving can be cleaned with a soft cloth – use a soft brush for the crevices.
• No aggressive cleaning agents – the matte patina is part of the character of these cymbals.
• Do not immerse in water; keep the leather strap dry.

Come visit us at Kramgasse 63 in Bern – I'll gladly show you the sound and explain the mantra to you personally. Or order conveniently online.