Hand Bell for Meditation & Buddhist Chanting — Vietnamese Khanh

“Listen, listen. This wonderful sound brings me back to my true self.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

This hand bell is a Buddhist hand bell known as the Khanh — a temple bell that has called practitioners to mindfulness across Vietnamese pagodas for centuries. In the Plum Village tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay), the Khanh is not simply an instrument. It is a companion in practice — its voice invites us to stop, to breathe, and to come home to the present moment.

When we invite this bell to sound, we do not merely hear a tone. We receive an invitation: to let go of wherever the mind has wandered and return to what is real — this breath, this body, this moment.

The Khanh — A Sacred Temple Bell

The word “Khanh” means “instrument for the pagoda.” This temple bell has a central place in Vietnamese Buddhist practice, where it is used to mark the beginning and end of chanting, to call the sangha to meditation, and to punctuate ceremonies and processions.

In the Plum Village tradition, the person who invites the bell is known as the Bell Master — a role of deep responsibility and care. Before inviting a full sound, the Bell Master first “wakes up” the bell with a gentle half-sound, giving everyone a moment to return to their breathing and prepare to listen.

“Body, speech and mind in perfect oneness, I send my heart along with the sound of the bell. May the hearers awaken from forgetfulness And transcend all anxiety and sorrow.” — Bell Master’s Gatha, Plum Village tradition

How to Use This Hand Bell in Practice

This ceremonial hand bell is traditionally used for:

• Chanting meditation — invite the bell to sound at the beginning and end of sutra chanting, or to keep rhythm alongside the Wooden Fish (Mõ)
• Ceremonies and processions — the Khanh accompanies walking processions and formal gatherings in the monastic tradition
• Calling to mindfulness — invite the bell at any moment during the day as a reminder to pause and breathe

Hold the bell gently in one hand. With the bell inviter, first wake up the bell with a soft, muffled touch. Then invite a full sound and listen — follow the tone as it fades into silence. That silence is also part of the practice.

Product Details

• Material: Brass (copper and zinc alloy)
• Dimensions: 6 × 18 × 6 cm
• Weight: 200 g
• Colours available: Gold
• Bell inviter: Included

Going as a River: Why the Official Source Matters

In the Plum Village tradition, we know that a single drop of water evaporates, but as a river, it reaches the sea. When you choose to support your practice through the Plum Village Official Shop, your purchase is more than a transaction — it is an act of Dana (generosity).

Every purchase directly supports the Plum Village monastic community and its mission to share the practice of mindfulness with the world. Thank you for going as a river with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Khanh bell?

A: The Khanh is a traditional Vietnamese pagoda hand bell used in Buddhist rituals and meditation. Its name means “instrument for the pagoda.” In the Plum Village tradition, it is invited to sound with a bell inviter (sometimes called a mallet) to mark the beginning and end of chanting, meditation sessions, or to call practitioners to mindfulness. The Khanh has been a central instrument in Vietnamese Buddhist ceremony for centuries.

Q: How do you use a hand bell in meditation?

A: First, wake up the bell by touching the inviter gently to the rim — this creates a soft, muffled sound that prepares everyone to listen. Then invite the bell to sound fully and follow the tone as it fades to silence. In the Plum Village tradition, the sound of the bell is considered the voice of the Buddha calling us back to the present moment. You can use this hand bell before and after sitting meditation, during chanting, or at any moment during the day.

Q: What is the difference between a hand bell and a singing bowl?

A: A hand bell produces a single, clear tone when invited to sound, while a singing bowl creates a sustained, overtone-rich vibration when rubbed along the rim. The Khanh hand bell is a Buddhist ceremonial instrument specifically designed for chanting rituals and meditation practice in the Vietnamese pagoda tradition. A singing bowl is more commonly used in Tibetan Buddhist practice and sound healing.