Paiste GongsShangriLa, South Africa Book a sound bath
A player strikes a planetary gong with two felt mallets

Gong sound baths in Cape Town Rest in sound.

Lie back and listen as handcrafted Paiste gongs are played around you. Group and private sessions at ShangriLa.

View dates and book Ways to join

Sound, silence and space

What is a gong bath?

A gong bath is an invitation to stop doing and listen.

You lie comfortably while the gongs are played. Layers of tone build, shift and fade, moving between delicate sounds, fuller resonance and silence.

You may notice the vibration in your body, thoughts drifting through, or a sense of stillness. Every session is different, whether it is your first or your fiftieth.

Paiste gongs on stands and wall mounts in the ShangriLa studio
A player sits on a rug before a large gong, beside a brass statue
A player strikes a gong with two felt mallets beside a sunlit window
A player runs a chime bar across the face of a planetary gong
A player plays chimes beneath two hanging gongs

The instruments

Played on Paiste gongs.

Every session centres on Paiste gongs, joined by singing bowls, chimes and other instruments. Planetary, Symphonic and Bronze gongs bring different colours, and a change of touch or striking point reveals another layer of sound.

Bowls and chimes add finer textures. Silence gives each sound room to fade.

Meet our Paiste gongs

The rhythm of a session

Every session has a shape.

It opens gently, gathers into fuller resonance, then fades so you can return in your own time.

  1. Settle in

    Find a comfortable position and give yourself a moment to arrive. There is no technique to master.

  2. Listen

    Follow the changing tones, or let them pass through your attention. Rest with what you notice.

  3. Return slowly

    Allow a little quiet at the end. Notice your body and take your time as you return to the room.

A player strikes a Paiste gong, seen through a soft blur

The sound journey

What is the mental effect of a gong?

In mysticism, the gong represents the primordial sound - Aum which is the original creative sound of the universe.

When played, it produces an “omni-sound”: a vast field of overlapping harmonics and unpredictable overtones. There is no fixed melody or repeating pattern for the analytical mind to categorise or predict. As it stops trying to make sense of the sound, the mind can surrender.

In this esoteric understanding, the boundary between yourself and the surrounding sound begins to dissolve, opening into shunya, a state of emptiness and deep stillness.

Two mallets rest against a glowing Paiste gong

In the body

The physical experience.

The gong’s deep resonance can be felt in the body as well as heard. As you rest in the sound, you may notice muscles softening, breathing slowing and physical tension easing. Sensations of warmth, tingling or gentle vibration may arise, alongside a feeling of profound rest.

Choose your session.

Studio sound baths

Group gong sound baths at ShangriLa, including New and Full Moon journeys.

Dates, times and prices in Mindbody See upcoming sessions

Your first visit

A few things to know.

For anything else, send us an email.

A player sits on the floor beside two gongs on a stand, by a window
Do I need any experience?

No experience of yoga, meditation or playing an instrument is needed.

What should I wear?

Choose comfortable clothing you can rest in. An extra layer can be useful while you are lying still.

How long is the session?

A sound bath lasts 45 to 60 minutes. A shorter 10-minute gong relaxation can also follow a yoga class.

When should I arrive?

Arrive before the advertised start time so you can settle in. Late entry is not permitted once the session begins.

How do I reserve a place?

Use the booking button to open ShangriLa’s Mindbody calendar, select your session and follow the booking steps. If you need help, email info@gururamdas.co.za.