Thu 28 Jul 2005
I came up with a simple idea for timing my meditation. At the beginning I used a stick of incense, but I had to look at it to check whether it is burnt out already or not and I found that distracting. I prefer the way it is done in the zendo, with a bell being struck at the beginning and end of each session. However, at home I don’t have anyone to do this for me and it would be impractical even if I had.
Then I heard of meditation clocks like this one, which I think are a great idea but are not available here and I would like to see and hear it personally before buying. But, I thought, I could use my computer for this, if only I had an appropriate program and upon searching the web I found some. But they were either old or not free or not for my operating system, but I realized I already have the program I need – the mp3 player.
So, I downloaded a recording of a zendo bell, processed it some and created an mp3 with the sound of a bell being struck once and another with the sound of the bell being struck three times. I also generated three mp3 files with just silence – 5, 10 and 15 minutes of it. Now by arranging them in a playlist I can have as long a meditation as I wish. And it works very well for me.
I use my laptop to play it, as the desktop is too noisy. I think I could eliminate the noise altogether if I had a portable mp3 player connected to a pair of speakers. In fact even with headphones it could act effectively as a portable meditation clock.
I decided to share this, maybe you would find it useful too. You can download the set of mp3 files and a sample playlist by clicking here (it’s 7 megs approx). It’s also available in BitTorrent, click here for the torrent file.
October 5th, 2006 at 22:25
Hi Andy,
thankx for the files. I just wanted to say that the Zen clocks are nice. I do own one. I have read nasty reports of the ones with clockhands (breaking easily etc.) but the one with the bowl is nice… and it is actually a nice experience to be woken up by a bell… as a software meditation timer I have recently found The Meditation Tutor… the basic program being freeware… if you just want to split your meditation into 3 times it is great… it starts with 3 minute duration though (not less, which would have been nice for a certain set of practice)…
so far from me
Inner smiles
Harry
January 5th, 2007 at 1:17
Hi Andy,
Thanks – I was hoping somebody with more sound skills than I have would do something like this 🙂
Philip
February 23rd, 2007 at 1:56
Just wanted to say thanks for sharing.
Tim
May 20th, 2007 at 12:55
Andy:
Everything is connected thru divine flowing. I passed thru here looking exactly for this! I manifested it and here it is! The very best for you! Peace!
Jun
July 30th, 2007 at 17:00
thanks andy!
August 26th, 2007 at 21:52
thanks a lot
just what i wanted to find
works just great
thanks man
September 19th, 2007 at 1:14
Thanks a ton! Precisely what I was looking for.
October 4th, 2007 at 19:12
Thanks a lot, this is very helpfull!
October 16th, 2007 at 23:07
Hi andy,
Thank you for putting this up! Its exactly what I need to help with my meditation!
February 19th, 2008 at 23:29
Mahalo for this meditation tool; how cool!
Regards,
Joyce Charles
April 21st, 2008 at 3:57
Great discussion! You’ve got a good blog going here.
January 8th, 2009 at 3:45
Perfect!
Thanks for this, I have been looking for something just like it…
April 14th, 2009 at 10:15
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
July 28th, 2009 at 1:12
Thank you, it was very thoughtfull of you to post this. thanks again
August 19th, 2009 at 23:52
Hi,
this is vidyasagar Elluru from St. louis, MO. I have been struggling with my unruly mind and not able to control me. As aresult, things are going out of my hand. I am not able to keep my mind consistently. Please do the needful.
I would appreciate your cooperation.
Rgds, Sagar
September 2nd, 2009 at 19:44
Ingenious! No more wondering “has it been long enough yet?” Its much easier to let go when you know the bell will ring when its time.
April 9th, 2012 at 5:31
Hello,
I used these to much good effect years ago, and am now using them again. Thanks!