Shang
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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]]