The Sounds of Buddhism: Bells, Gongs and Other Buddhist Instruments

In Buddhism, some ritual implements are used specifically to produce sound. These are known in Japanese as "bon'ongu" - literally, "Buddhist instruments." Among the more familiar Buddhist instruments are the bells which sound each morning and evening from bell-towers on temple grounds. Other Buddhist instruments include waniguchi ("crocodile mouth") and unban ("cloud-shaped") gongs, which are hung both inside and outside temple buildings, as well as kei and shoko gongs and mokugyo woodblock instruments used in ceremonies and rituals.

Sound serves to signify transitions within memorial services and rituals, and also to mark the tempo of processions. The use of sound appears to be rooted in the belief that sound inspires a heightened sense of reverence and awakens faith in the hearts of believers.

Buddhist ritual instruments are distinctive in both name and shape. Some, such as bells and gongs in particular, have their origin in the bronzes of ancient China, however clear differences can be seen between the Buddhist ritual bells of Japan and Korea. We hope viewers will take the opportunity to appreciate the unusual shapes and designs, and the functional beauty of Buddhist ritual instruments.