Traditional Chöd Drum

The Chöd drum is by far the most important piece of equipment for Chöd practitioners. Along with the bell and kangling, the Chöd drum is played in a highly unique and distinctive style, accompanying the haunting sung liturgy of the sadhana.

Sometimes described as the “abode of the dakini,” the Chöd drum is intimately connected to the dynamic energy of the divine feminine. Though its symbolism goes far deeper into the very essence of non-duality. To learn more about the meaning of the Chöd drum and its various accoutrements, check out our post on the topic here.

With an increase in demand due to the proliferation of the Chöd practice worldwide, many manufacturers have resorted to using cheap wood and sub-standard production techniques. It’s common to find these “novelty” drums in tourist shops throughout the Himalayas, and many practitioners purchase these under the false pretence that they’re acquiring a bonafide ritual implement.

Such "starter drums” are absolutely perfect for those who are just learning the Chöd practice, in order to become comfortable with the ritual procedures and the use of the instruments. But for those who have dedicated themselves to the practice, procurement of a high-quality Chöd drum is quite essential.

Inside any traditionally crafted damaru (double-sided ritual drum) are hand-written mantras, including the seed syllables of the male and female Buddhas on their respective sides, representing the drum’s symbolism as the union of feminine wisdom and masculine skilful means. The bell of the drum is covered with a skin – usually goat – that goes through a treatment process involving burial with various herbs and minerals (like copper) before being designated as a trin-pak or “cloud skin” (སྤྲིན་ལྤགས་). Commercial drums are frequently painted with basic green paint, which strip the skin of its natural oils and responsiveness. True cloud skin is vital and wholly unique, producing a range of pitches based on temperature, climate, humidity, and other factors.

These drums are handcrafted in Nepal by skilled Bhutanese artisans who hold a long family lineage of ritual implement production. By purchasing your implements from these gifted craftspeople as opposed to a mass producer, you are helping to ensure that this lineage doesn't disappear. As a high-quality instrument, this is also a piece that can be passed along to the next generation after a lifetime of practice.

Drums come in three sizes, though individual requests can be accommodated by emailing us. It is made of sengdeng (Acacia catechu) wood, a sacred and resonant wood with medicinal qualities, and includes a metal ring and conch shell disc - representing the pure sound of the dharma. The five-coloured banners represent mastery over the five elements, as well as the five wisdoms of the buddha families.

This drum is extremely comfortable and easy to play, with a good balance of weight to make its use significantly easier than commercial drums. It's tone is bright and vibrant, though with regular use and careful conditioning it will become deeper and more resounding. It is common to apply a small amount of cold water to the center of the drum head (being careful not to wet the edges) in order to loosen the skin and encourage a lower sound.

Drums will be shipped directly from Nepal for a flat rate of £20. Shipping usually takes 2-3 weeks, but can take up to 4 weeks due to current conditions.