Tibetan Bell and Dorje

Tibetan Bell and Dorje Sets: Ritual Bell and Vajra from Nepal

The Tibetan bell and dorje are used as a pair. The bell is held in the left hand and the dorje, also called the vajra, in the right. Every listing here is a complete set, handmade in Nepal in brass or bronze, in sizes from 5 to 9 inches.

Before your set leaves Kathmandu, Sunita Poudel, a certified sound healer, checks the sound of the bell from her experience in practice.

How to choose a bell and dorje set

How to hold and ring the bell and dorje

1. Bell in the left hand. Hold it by the handle with the mouth facing down.
2. Dorje in the right hand. Hold it at the centre.
3. Ring with the wrist. A small, gentle turn of the wrist lets the clapper strike the inside of the bell.
4. Let it ring out. Wait for the sound to fade before you ring again.
5. Keep the pair together. When not in use, the bell and dorje are kept side by side, by custom in a clean and raised place.

The bell and dorje are ritual objects first. If you are using them outside a Buddhist practice, handle them with the same care.

Where the bell fits beside singing bowls

Each instrument has its own job in a session. Tingsha open and close it. Singing bowls carry the body of the sound. The bell gives a steady, sustaining tone. The gong is the deepest and widest sound, kept for the fullest point. If you are new, Sunita's free singing bowl healing course is a good place to begin.

What is in the bell and dorje collection

• Brass sets. A bright yellow metal and the lighter sets in the range. 5 inch brass set, 6 inch brass set.
• Bronze sets. The traditional bell metal, with a darker colour. Plain, or with brass detailing. 5.5 inch plain bronze set, 6 inch plain bronze set, 7 inch plain bronze set, 7 inch bronze set with brass detailing.
• Gold-plated sets. Bell and dorje with a gold-plated finish. Gold-plated set, 6 inch gold-plated set, 7 inch gold-plated set.
• Antique finish sets. New sets given an aged look. The finish is a style. These are not old bells. 6 inch antique finish bronze set, 5 Buddha embossed set, antique finish.
• Large set. The biggest bell in the range, for a shrine room, a hall or group practice. 9 inch large set.

What Sunita checks when she chooses your bell

Each bell is made by hand, so two bells of the same size do not sound the same. A set is not sent out in the order it sits on the shelf. When your order arrives, Sunita checks the sound of the bell chosen for it, from her experience in practice, and the set is only packed once she is satisfied. This is the same per-order care she gives to singing bowls.

Tibetan bell and dorje: common questions

See all dharma tools, or go to tingsha, gongs and singing bowls.