Buddha Foot Singing Bowl - What the Footprint Means and How the Bowl Is Used
A Buddha foot singing bowl is a bowl carved by hand with the Buddhapada, the footprint of the Buddha. It is found most often on large standing bowls, where the carving marks the place for your own feet.
Key takeaways
- The footprint stands for the presence of the Buddha, according to Buddhist tradition.
- The carving is done by hand after the bowl is hammered.
- The use: stood in, or played on the floor like any large bowl.
- For standing, the bowl must be 15 inches or more across.
What does the Buddha footprint mean?
The Buddhapada is one of the oldest signs in Buddhist art. Early artists showed the footprint in place of the figure of the Buddha, as a sign that he had been present.
- The footprint: stands for the presence of the Buddha and the path he walked.
- The dharma wheel: sits at the centre of the sole and stands for his teaching.
- Other signs: some footprints carry more auspicious marks around the wheel.
You can read more about the history of the Buddha footprint. This is what the tradition says, and a carving makes no promise about results.
Is a foot bowl the same as a Buddha foot bowl?
Not always. People use the two names for two different things.
| Name | What it means | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Foot bowl or standing bowl | Any large bowl, 15 inches or more, made to be stood in | Large standing singing bowls |
| Buddha foot bowl | A bowl that carries the footprint carving | Large Buddha foot carved singing bowl |
| Both together | A standing bowl with the footprint carved inside the base | Buddha foot engraved large singing bowl |
Our guide to standing singing bowls explains the other names, such as earthing bowl, grounding bowl and mother bowl.
How is a Buddha foot bowl made?
- Hammered first: the bowl is hand-hammered into shape.
- Carved second: the footprint is cut by hand into the metal.
- Judged last: the sound is judged only after the carving is finished.
A hand-hammered bowl's note is discovered, not made. The sound you hear on a finished bowl is the sound you receive.
Looking for a standing bowl?
See our large standing singing bowls, plain and hand carved. A mallet and cushion come with every bowl.
How is the bowl used?
- Place the bowl on the floor, on its cushion or a flat mat.
- Step in barefoot, with both feet flat near the centre.
- A helper strikes the outside wall gently with a felt mallet.
- Stand still and let the sound fade before the next strike.
- Step out slowly, holding a hand or a chair if you need to.
You do not have to stand in it. Many owners play it on the floor at the start of a session, or place it at the feet of a person lying down.
The sound of a large bowl supports relaxation. It is not a treatment, and anyone unsteady on their feet should have a person beside them.
Which Buddha foot bowl should you look at?
| If you want | Look at |
|---|---|
| The footprint alone | Large Buddha foot Tibetan singing bowl |
| Footprint with chakra symbols | Foot carved bowl with 7 chakras and Shree Yantra |
| Footprint with Flower of Life | Premium Buddha foot, chakra and Flower of Life bowl |
| Footprint with a Tibetan mantra | Buddha foot and mantra singing bowl |
| More carved designs | Carved singing bowls |
| Your own carving or message | Custom singing bowl, with free engraving |
What size do you need?
- 15 inches: the minimum for standing in.
- 16 or 18 inches: suits home practice and most adults.
- 20 to 24 inches: more room for the feet, and suits studios.
Read how to choose a large singing bowl before you decide.
What are the common mistakes?
- Standing in a small bowl: a bowl under 15 inches is not made for it.
- Striking hard: a large bowl needs only a gentle strike.
- Wearing shoes: shoes scratch the carving and block the feeling of the sound.
- Standing alone: you cannot strike well while you stand, so ask a helper.
- Expecting a promise: the footprint is a sign of respect, not a guarantee.
What should you do next?
- Learn the other carvings: read singing bowl symbols and mantras.
- Read about grounding: see the Earth Star chakra guide.
- Learn to run a session: take the free singing bowl healing course.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Buddha foot singing bowl?
It is a singing bowl carved by hand with the Buddhapada, the footprint of the Buddha. The design is found most often on large standing bowls, where it is carved inside the base.
What does the Buddha footprint mean?
In Buddhist tradition the footprint stands for the presence of the Buddha and the path he walked. The wheel on the sole stands for his teaching.
Is a foot singing bowl the same as a Buddha foot bowl?
Not always. A foot bowl is any large bowl made to be stood in, while a Buddha foot bowl is a bowl that carries the footprint carving. Many bowls are both.
Can you stand in a Buddha foot singing bowl?
Yes, if the bowl is made for standing and is at least 15 inches across. Stand barefoot with both feet flat near the centre while someone strikes the outside wall gently.
Is it disrespectful to stand on the Buddha foot carving?
The carving is made to mark where the feet go, and many people place their feet there with respect. If it does not feel right to you, stand in a plain bowl and keep the Buddha foot bowl for playing.
Does the carving change the sound?
The bowl is hammered first, then carved, and its sound is judged only after the carving is finished. So the sound you choose is the sound of the finished bowl.
What size Buddha foot bowl do I need?
For standing in, 15 inches is the minimum. A 16 or 18 inch bowl suits home practice, and a 20 to 24 inch bowl suits studios.
Want a bowl carved your way?
Choose the size and finish, and add free engraving. Sunita chooses your bowl after the order arrives.
