Tibetan Singing Bowl for the Root Chakra

According to tradition, it is located at the very base of the spine, at the level of the perineum—that is, between the anus and the genitals. This is a symbolic map, not an organ.

The Sanskrit name Muladhara combines two words: mula, meaning “root,” and adhara, meaning “base” or “support.” It is also called the base chakra or first chakra because the six centers above it, starting with the sacral chakra, rest upon it. According to Hindu tradition, it is associated with the note C, although other approaches assign it a different note. It is also connected to the earth element, which texts call Prithvi. It is therefore associated with human security and survival, as well as stability, grounding, and physical structures such as bones, flesh, and skin. It is also frequently linked to the pelvic floor, legs, and feet.

Muladhara is most often represented by a deep red, symbolizing strength, vitality, and survival needs. Some texts also associate it with pink.

Its symbol is a four-petaled lotus of the same color. Each petal bears a Sanskrit syllable written in gold: vam, sham, shham, and sam. At the center is a yellow square symbolizing the earth, with a downward-pointing triangle and the syllable LAM. The square contains Airavata, a white elephant with seven trunks, while eight spears emerge from its sides and corners.

These four petals have several interpretations. One identifies them with four vrittis: joy, natural pleasure, mastery of passions, and the bliss of concentration. Another sees them as the four aims of life: dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. A third associates them with the four elements: air, fire, water, and earth.

You can also find bowls in this color with the symbol outlined in gold on the bottom. But color tells you nothing about a bowl’s sound: a bowl can bear a chakra’s color and symbol without being tuned to its note.

First, get comfortable: lie on your back with your legs slightly apart and a pillow under your head and knees, or sit cross-legged or on a cushion with your feet grounded and your spine lengthened. Breathe slowly for 1 to 3 minutes before making the first sound.

When lying down, place the bowl near or in front of your feet, between your thighs, or beside the base of your spine. It does not need to touch you and should never be placed on your spine. A crystal bowl is always played beside the body.

Strike the rim gently rather than trying to make the bowl louder, then wait 5 to 20 seconds between strikes, depending on how long your bowl resonates.

We recommend using your bowl for 2 to 3 sessions per week because consistency matters more than an occasional long session. Some practitioners, however, prefer to practice daily at a set time.

For a 10- to 20-minute session that covers all the chakras, spend 1 to 2 minutes on the root chakra. A session devoted to the root chakra calls for 5 to 15 minutes of chanting, or 20 to 30 minutes in total when you include getting settled and sitting in silence. If you’re just starting out, we recommend beginning with 5 minutes and gradually increasing the time. Let the final sound fade completely, then remain silent for a few minutes before moving slowly. None of these durations is a fixed rule: adjust them to how you feel, and shorten them for children and older adults.