Gong and Drum

The enormous gong and drum handing under the eaves of the Main Shrine at the temple. In the morning, the gong is rung first, and then followed by the drum. This alerts all sentient beings that night is over and it is time to awake. In the evening the order is reversed with the drum beaten first and then the gong. In Chinese monasteries the bell is rung 108 times, three sets of eighteen quick and eighteen slow chimes. Each chime is said to provide temporary relief from suffering for the beings in hell.

Bell Bowl

A big hammered metal bowl is used while chanting, and mostly kept to the right of the altar.

Wooden fish

A wood block carved to represent a fish is played during chanting services. It is usually kept to the left of the altar and may be of various sizes. The symbolism of the fish may be explained as follows: Just as fish never closes its eye and is thus always “awake,” one should be similarly “live” in earnest dedication to Buddhist practice.

Drum

A drum that is usually kept to the right of an altar inside the shrines, and is used in chanting. Its sound symbolises the end of the cycle of rebirth, which inevitably leads to happiness.

Handheld Bell

A small bell, which is both held and tapped with a mallet by the same hand, is used while chanting.

Tang-zi

A cauldron-like brass vessel with a wooden handle attached to that bottom is struck with a small mallet during chanting services and Dharma functions. This is also another common Dharma implement to be found in the monasteries.

Cymbal

Two round brass plates with bulged centres are struck together to create a vibrating sound. Though regarded as Dharma implements, the cymbal, played in coordination with the beats of tang-zi create a form of music offering to the Buddha and heavenly beings.