Singing bowls are played by striking with a soft mallet to produce a warm bell tone and harmonic overtones. They may also be played by the friction of rubbing a wooden, or leather wrapped mallet around the rim of the bowl to produce overtones and a continuous 'singing' sound. This natura! and harmonious sound emitted by singing bowls is used to invoke a state of deep relaxation, which assists meditation the ultimate goal of which is enlightenment, They are a vital aid to medication and are found in Buddhist monasteries and temples around the world.