Jody: In step number 4 and in reference with the big bell, I forgot to mention that while there is this space time between the in and out breathing awareness, the stick of the bell is put straight in the middle, the left hand over it and above the left hand the right hand resting there till next ring. It may sound all of it a little bit complicated because it comes in writing but in practise it's not. Mayka
--- On Sun, 17/10/10, Maria Lopez <[email protected]> wrote: From: Maria Lopez <[email protected]> Subject: RE: [Zen] meditation bells To: [email protected] Date: Sunday, 17 October, 2010, 10:10 You're welcome Jody. That very pleasant calming sound you mention in your post is produced not only because of the techniques used but also because of the calmness of the one who rings the bell. In order to get into that stillness state of body and mind: I try to write in a very, very simplistic way the steps (instructions given here are for the big bell as the small bell is beaten slightly different as it doesn't rest on the cushion floor as big one but on the left plain hand) . 1- Breathing for three and out breathes in awareness trying to have an straight back and the belly is free from any obstacles blocking the circulation of the in and out breathing. 2- With palm together in the form of a lotus flower, bow to the bell. 3- Awake the bell and stop there for three in and out breathes 4- Ring the bell and stop there for three in and out breathes (three times the same) 5- Bow to the bell with the left hand free and the other hand resting on the straight stick put in front of you on the floor. 6- Start your sitting down session by putting the hands in the meditation mudra used for meditation. You can also make use of poetry to help you to concentrate better in the sound of the bell, Here I write for you a couple of them I can remember by heart: "Body, speech and mind in perfect oneness, I send my heart alone with the sound of this bell. May all the hearers awaken from forgetfulness And transcend the path of anxiety and sorrow" Or you could use "Listen, listen to this wonderful sound, It brings me back to my true home" Enjoy the ringing sound! Mayka --- On Sat, 16/10/10, Jody W. Ianuzzi <[email protected]> wrote: From: Jody W. Ianuzzi <[email protected]> Subject: RE: [Zen] meditation bells To: [email protected] Date: Saturday, 16 October, 2010, 17:03 Hello Mayka, Thank you so much. I do understand the importance of experience and understanding for ringing the bell. I have heard it done properly and it is a very hypnotic sound. JODY
