Bell (Bronze)

Bell (Bronze)

Bells

Temple bells are common instruments found in Buddhist temples, most often in temples throughout Japan. The purpose of the bells is to summon monks for prayer or announce periods of time. The bells also help aid in meditation and prayer recitations. In addition, the sound of the bell is believed to have supernatural powers such as being heard in the underworld. Likewise, bells also are prevalent in Buddhist ceremonies. Temple bells vary in size and material and can either be struck externally with a mallet or have an internal clapper where powerful, rich pitches are produced.

Check out the High Library for more information. 

• Japanese Buddhist ritual. [sound recording]
• Tibetan Buddhism & modern physics : toward a union of love and knowledge

Check out a demonstration of temple bell sounds used in meditation below. 

20th Century

Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, USA)

Dr. William V. Puffenberger

Elizabethtown College retains all intellectual property rights to this image including, but not limited to, digital rights and any derivative works. For permission for reproduction, please contact the College’s Administrative Assistant for Humanities.

A bronze bell with detailed engravings and a cut-out ornate handle.

5.5 in X 2.75 in (14 cm X 7 cm)

Physical Object

Puffenberger #75

Nepal