Bongeunsa Dharma Instruments: Dharma drum, Brahma bell, "wooden fish" and "cloud plate"

Bell pavilion at Bongeunsa (Buddhist temple) in Seoul South Korea.

The four Buddhist or Dharma Instruments: Dharma drum, Brahma bell, "wooden fish" and "cloud plate" (cloud shaped gong) are four percussion instruments used in ceremonies twice a day, early morning and dusk, at a Buddhist temple.

The Dharma drum is struck to spread the teachings of the Buddha to all beings on the earth and awaken all beings in the 10 directions of the Buddhist world. The drum shell is normally made of wood with leather from a cow on one side and leather from a bull on the other.

The Brahma bell is struck 28 times in the morning to symbolize the 28 Buddhist Heavens and struck 33 times in the evening symbolizing the 33 devas. The bell's toll is also to "awaken sentient beings" and to rescue those who are suffering in hell.

The "wooden fish", or fish drum, is a hollow log resembling a carp and is for saving all the fish in the water. Since fish never closes its eyes, the sound of the wooden fish admonishes monks and nuns to not doze off.

The "cloud plate", or "cloud shaped gong" is metal plate with images of clouds, sun and and moon. The gong is struck to send Buddha's message to all the beings flying in the sky and to lead wandering souls to Heaven.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Dharma Instruments
• Bongeunsa
• Dharma drum
• Brahma bell
• wooden fish
• cloud plate
• Buddhist Instruments
• South Korea
• Seoul
• Buddhist temple

[DiaShanti]

Where do I sign up ? I'll go just for the drumming. That was fantastic.

[LunaKanami]

wow. this is amazing! I love it!