Shang 77693 189685000 2008-02-07T07:02:46Z B9 hummingbird hovering 2172498 The shang may also be used to receive information from the [[æther]]. {{for|the Chinese dynasty|Shang Dynasty}} The '''''shang''''' (Tibetan: ''gchang'') is a flat ritual upturned [[handbell]] employed by [[Bön]]po and Asian [[shaman]]s. The sizes of the ''shang'' range from approximately 3 to 20 [[inch]]es in diameter. It is traditionally held to have originated in [[Zhang Zhung culture|Zhangzhung]] and is symbolically similar to the tantric ''dril-bhu''. ''Shang'' are traditionally [[consecration|consecrated]] and made of sophisticated metallic [[alloy]]. The Bönpo or shaman may use this instrument as a tool to 'caste' or 'throw' [[thoughtform|thought]]s. The shang may also be used to receive information from the [[æther]]. The ''shang'' is often used in rites in conjunction with the ''[[phurba]]'' and ''[[namkha]]''. The ''shang'' consists of three principal parts: the flat bell part proper; the [[gankyil]] which is the centre piece that holds the knocker; and the knocker or striker proper, which is often made of animal horn. ==See also== * [[Singing bowl]] * [[Tingsha]] * [[Iron in mythology]] ==References== * [[Jansen, Eva Rudy]] (1990). ''Singing bowls: a practical handbook of instruction and use''. Holland: [[Binkey Kok Publications]]. ISBN 907-4597-017 * [[Claudia Müller-Ebeling|Müller-Ebeling, Claudia]] and [[Christian Rätsch]] and [[Surendra Bahadur Shahi]] (2002). ''Shamanism and Tantra in the Himalayas''. Translated by [[Annabel Lee (artist)|Annabel Lee]]. Rochester, Vt.: [[Inner Traditions]]. [[Category:Bells]]