Kangling

Kangling example

Kangling (Tibetan: རྐང་གླིང་, Wylie: rkang-gling), also known as the Tibetan trumpet, is a traditional Tibetan musical instrument used primarily in Buddhist rituals and practices. The kangling is made from a human femur (thighbone) and embodies the Tibetan Buddhist principle of impermanence and the transformation of death into life, serving as a reminder of mortality and the transient nature of existence.

Description

The kangling is typically crafted from the femur of a human being, although in modern times, replicas are often made from metal or wood for those who prefer not to use human remains. The instrument is used in Chöd practices, where it symbolizes the cutting through of ego and attachment, and is played to invite and feed hungry ghosts and spirits during rituals, thereby satisfying their needs and liberating them.

Usage in Rituals

In Vajrayana Buddhism, the kangling is played as part of tantric practices and ceremonies, including funerals and Chöd rituals. The sound of the kangling is believed to summon spirits and demons so that practitioners can confront and pacify them. Its haunting sound serves to remind practitioners of the impermanence of life and the importance of compassion towards all beings, including those in the spirit world.

Cultural Significance

The use of human bones in the construction of the kangling is deeply symbolic in Tibetan Buddhism. It represents a profound acceptance of death and decay, and the transformation of negative into positive — in this case, using what is often feared and reviled (death and human remains) in a way that affirms life and the spiritual path. The kangling thus embodies the Buddhist teachings on impermanence (Anicca) and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth (Samsara).

Contemporary Use

While the kangling continues to be used in traditional Buddhist rituals, its distinctive sound has also captured the interest of musicians and composers outside the religious context. It is sometimes featured in avant-garde music performances and recordings, where its eerie and penetrating tone adds a unique sonic texture.

Ethical Considerations

The use of human bones to make musical instruments raises ethical questions, particularly in the context of respect for the dead and the consent regarding the use of human remains. In response to these concerns, and in keeping with modern ethical standards, many practitioners now opt for kangling made of alternative materials that mimic the traditional sound without using human bones.

See Also

• Chöd
• Vajrayana Buddhism
• Tibetan Buddhism
• Musical instrument