“Hearing the bell, afflictions in me dissolve like clouds in the morning sun. My mind becomes clear, my body relaxed, A half-smile appears on my lips. Following the sound of the bell, my breath guides me back to the safe island of mindfulness, and in the garden of my heart, a flower of peace blooms beautifully.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

This miniature bell is a Japanese meditation bell known as the Kyujo Orin — a small bell crafted with care in Japan from an alloy of copper, zinc, and silicon. Despite its compact size, the Orin produces a clear, sustained tone that fades slowly into silence, calling you back to the present moment wherever you are.

Each bell is adorned with a healing gemstone — Carnelian, Hematite, Rose Quartz, or Tiger’s Eye — chosen for qualities that support and deepen your practice. The cushion and bell inviter come together as a complete set, ready for your desk, your bedside table, or your travel bag.

The Sound of Presence

The Kyujo Orin’s sound has what Japanese acoustics calls “1/f fluctuation” — a natural sound pattern that induces alpha brain waves and a feeling of deep comfort. Analysis by the Japan Acoustic Lab has shown a healing quality in this particular sound. It is clear, without colour, and subtly varied — even two bells of the same shape will resonate differently for different people.

Invite this mini bell to sound and listen. Follow the tone as it fades. When you can no longer hear it, you are in the silence — and that silence is where your practice lives.

Virtuous Stones & Their Meaning

Each gemstone carries an intention that resonates with a quality of practice:

• Carnelian — Warmth, courage, and vitality. A stone of grounding energy that supports stability in sitting meditation.
• Hematite — Calm focus and protection. Traditionally associated with clarity of mind and the dissolving of scattered thoughts.
• Rose Quartz — Compassion and loving-kindness. The stone of the heart, supporting metta (loving-kindness) practice.
• Tiger’s Eye — Courage and insight. A stone of alert awareness — like the fish that never closes its eyes.

A Bell That Travels With You

This is a tiny bell made for practitioners who do not leave their practice at home. At only 10 × 5 × 3 cm and 200g, it fits in a bag, a suitcase, or even a coat pocket.

• Retreats & pilgrimages — bring your own bell to a retreat centre or monastery
• Desk mindfulness — invite the bell between meetings, before meals, or at the start of your workday
• Travel meditation — practise in a hotel room, an Airbnb, or a quiet corner of an airport
• Gift for a practitioner — a meaningful, portable gift for anyone who meditates

For a deeper ceremonial sound at home, explore the Hand Bell (Khanh).

Product Details

• Dimensions: 10 × 5 × 3 cm
• Weight: 200 g
• Material: Copper, zinc, and silicon alloy (Orin)
• Gemstone options: Carnelian, Hematite, Rose Quartz, Tiger’s Eye
• Set includes: Bell, cushion, and bell inviter
• Origin: Crafted in Japan

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 Japanese meditation bell?

A: A Japanese meditation bell (also called a rin or orin) is a small bell used in Zen Buddhist practice to mark the beginning and end of meditation. It produces a clear, sustained tone that aids concentration and cultivates presence. This miniature version — the Kyujo Orin — is specifically designed for travel and desk use, making it a portable companion for daily mindfulness practice.

Q: What are virtuous stones on a meditation bell?

A: Virtuous stones are healing gemstones chosen for their symbolic connection to qualities in Buddhist practice — such as compassion (Rose Quartz), grounding (Carnelian), clarity (Hematite), and insight (Tiger’s Eye). Each stone on this miniature bell carries an intention that supports a different aspect of meditation.

Q: Can you travel with a meditation bell?

A: Yes — this mini bell is specifically made for travel meditation. At only 10 × 5 × 3 cm and 200g, it fits in a pocket, a handbag, or a carry-on. Many practitioners bring it to retreats, pilgrimages, and daily commutes. The complete set (bell, cushion, and inviter) packs flat and sets up in seconds.

Q: How do you use a miniature meditation bell?

A: Invite the bell to sound gently with the bell inviter and focus your attention on the tone as it slowly fades. When you can no longer hear the sound, return to your breathing. This practice trains attention and cultivates presence in just a few moments — anywhere you are. You can use it before meditation, between tasks, or as a reminder to pause and breathe during the day.