A MASTER of Tibetan Singing Bowls from Ringwood has launched his first book.

Frank Perry, who now lives in Poulner, was playing in an avant-garde jazz band in 1968, when he was given three antique singing bowls by a photographer.

The chance encounter cemented a lifelong love of singing bowls and now Mr Perry has one of the largest collections in the world and has made 105 records.

Now Mr Perry has documented his experience of living with the masters in the Himalayas and his techniques to sound singing bowls, in his new book Himalayan Sound Revelations.

He said: “I love the sound and the truth that comes from singing bowls, they are sacred instruments with special energies.”

Mr Perry added: “I have spent the last 12 years on this book, getting things clear in my mind, and writing every day for the last year.”

Mr Perry began playing percussion in 1964, during his final term at secondary school.

He was one of the first people to bring Tibetan bowls into the West in 1971 and was the pioneering practitioner of sounding them in the country.

By 1968 he had achieved an international reputation and has recorded music with Brian Eno.

According to Tibetan tradition, singing bowls date back to 560-480 BC and produce sounds which invoke a deep state of relaxation and aid meditation.

Healing expert James d'Angelo said: "No other book in the field of working with sound for healing and spiritual development is as knowledgeable, penetrating and comprehensive as this."

For a copy of his book go to www.polairpublishing.co.uk