Interview: Prateek Shrestha, Singing Bowl Shop

Welcome to our interview series “Inside the Box” where you can meet some of the exceptional Australian creatives and small business brands whose products can be found inside The Meditation Box .. and hear about their unique meditation journey.

When I first started planning for the Summer ‘Vitality’ Meditation Box, the first vision that came to mind was a singing bowl. I had recently attended a sublime sound bath meditation class where you lie down and experience (or ‘bathe’) in the vibrational energy of various singing bowls. The sound of the bowl is said to create a vibration that resonates with our body's energy and helps restore balance and harmony to our energy.

Most of the Singing Bowls that I found during my early online search, were highly commercial and mass-produced .. but then, one day (almost having given up) I found the Singing Bowl Shop in New South Wales. With beautiful website images and loads of helpful information, I reached out to see if they would be able to assist with my (now slightly urgent) request. Prateek responded almost immediately and then, from our discussions, back and forth, to find the ideal bowls, he shared some of his business and meditation journey.

Thank you Prateek for agreeing to be my second interview for Inside the Box .. it is a delight to share your story and your beautiful Singing Bowls.

Prateek Shrestha

www.singingbowlshop.com.au
Instagram: /singingbowlshop.com.au

Founded by Prateek Shrestha, a native of Nepal, alongside his sister, Prathana, who plays a pivotal role in sourcing the finest singing bowls from Nepal, the duo is committed to bringing you products that encompass the heart and soul of their homeland.

“Singing bowls are more than just instruments; they are vessels of resonance and energy. The harmonious tones they produce have the potential to soothe, balance, and restore. In a world where balance is often elusive, singing bowls offer a path to tranquility and mindfulness. Their sound permeates the depths of our being, helping us alleviate stress, clear emotional blockages, and embark on a journey towards emotional and spiritual equilibrium.”

1. Welcome Prateek. Could you share a little about your meditation journey with us.

Hailing from Nepal, the essence of meditation, known as ‘Dhyan’ permeates every aspect of life. It’s a term seamlessly woven into our conversations, urging us to read with mindfulness and perform every action with a heightened sense of awareness. Despite its frequent use, the true essence of Dhyan often eludes us, as few provide guidance on the art of meditation.

I became more aware about meditation when I started selling Singing Bowls in Australia. My first trade show was at mind body spirit festival where me and my father displayed some Tibetan Thangka paintings and Singing Bowls. Lot of people were interested in Singing Bowls which then made me more toward this product. I started using a singing bowl for relaxation and calmness and found it very effective which helped me to meditate very easily than just focusing on breath as the mind wanders around too quickly and often. With sound, it helped me to be union with sound and this present moment and go deep within.

2. Do you have a particular meditation technique(s) that resonates with you? Has this changed or shifted over time? Why this practice?

I love to meditate using the Singing Bowl. It helps to reach the meditative state very easily. I use singing bowl to be free from all thoughts and emotional imbalance. As the vibrations align, I seamlessly transition into a focused breath awareness technique, cultivating a heightened sense of presence in the here and now. Also now I know more about different chakras I sometimes use the different intention related to different chakra to meditate too.

3. Do you have a regular practice? What does that look like ie. daily, weekly, other? .. AM or PM? .. chair, floor/cushion, standing, moving?

As an entrepreneur navigating demanding schedules, cultivating a practice of calm and relaxation through meditation becomes an indispensable aspect of my routine. The early morning emerges as an opportune time for this ritual, setting a positive tone that resonates throughout the day. Seated on a carpet in the serene postures of Padmasana (full lotus) or Ardha Padmasana, I engage in a mindful meditation practice. This dedicated time serves as a sanctuary, allowing me to center myself amidst the hustle, fostering mental clarity, and fortifying a resilient mindset for the challenges that lay ahead.

4. What it is that inspires you to keep meditating and returning to your practice? Because this is a key challenge for almost everyone!

Indeed, navigating the complexities of daily life entails encountering a spectrum of situations. Choosing not merely to react but to respond judiciously reflects wisdom. Our habitual responses, whether conscious or not, sculpt the essence of our being. Deliberate practice in maintaining composure amid diverse circumstances is paramount. This conscious cultivation of inner peace is not solely a personal endeavor; it radiates outward, influencing the energy I contribute to the world and the well-being of those around me. Prioritizing calm and tranquility is not just a personal preference but a deliberate commitment to fostering a positive and harmonious environment.

5. Could you share what personal benefits you have observed from your practice?

Calmness

Relax

Peaceful

Kindness

Love myself

Love everyone no matter what

Vegan ( for animals)

6. Do you have a dedicated space for your practice? Or, elements that support your meditation practice .. example, I have my meditation cushion at home (and in the car) so that I can feel ‘home’ wherever I find myself. ould you share what personal benefits you have observed from your practice?

My Meditation space. SInging bowl is what i practice with.

7. Have you attended a meditation retreat, or undertaken any additional learning opportunities? If so, could you share some of your experience and insights?

What ever i come across with new thing I always try to search it up and find the meaning behind that word. I do not have done any course for meditation.

8. Any favorite inspirational books or resources that others might enjoy?

Bhagvat Gita (not read but looked different videos which teach us our responsibility).

9. Any wise words to share with those who are new to meditation or have ‘fallen off the meditation wagon’?

Know your self. GO deep within you will realise the divine within.

Finally, 7 Wonderful random things about you!

* I am a father of 2 year old beautiful son

* I love listening to Buddhist teachings

* I love listening to chants and mantras

* I love learning new things

* I love going to the monastery

* I love sharing things with people what I know.

* I am Vegan.

SINGING BOWL SHOP

SOUND HEALING INSTRUMENTS COLLECTION.
Where harmony meets transformation. Explore a curated selection of tingsha, bells, and gongs - timeless tools that resonate with healing vibrations. Immerse yourself in the enchanting tones that echo through centuries, offering solace, balance, and a path to deeper awareness.

SPIRITUAL JEWELLERY.

Elevate your style with jewellery that resonates with positive energy and spiritual essence. Whether seeking a meaningful gift or enhancing your personal journey, our Spiritual Jewelry is designed to adorn your soul with a touch of serenity and timeless allure.

Learn more about the power and magic of Singing Bowls at the Singing Bowl Shop BLOG where you can read articles on how to include your singing bowl in daily life, how to care for your bowl, different techniques for playing, and how Singing Bowl therapy works. BLOG HERE.

What was in The Summer ‘Vitality’ Box?

The Summer ‘Vitality’ Meditation Box explored meditation, mindfulness, mindful movement and transformative breathwork for the cultivation, distribution and management of our life energy .. our essence, our life force. I share all the details, the products and experiences, that were inside the Summer Meditation Box (shipped across Australia on 6th December 2023) - HERE.

The Meditation Box

If you would like to experience The Meditation Box, delivered directly to your doorstep, you can subscribe for our NEXT BOX (a new theme and box is available each season) or start at the beginning with our Foundation Box (available immediately, next-day shipping).

Each box includes:
+ Feature book
+ 5-6 unique sensory-based products
+ a few secret products (to create a sense of mindful curiosity)
+ Access to our growing Online Learning Hub.

We have FREE SHIPPING straight to your front door (Aust. only) and 20% OFF when taken with a seasonal subscription.

The monetary value of each box is $200+ .. but the experience is priceless.

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