Moktak (Wooden Handbell)

목탁

​

​The moktak, or wooden handbell, the most often used instrument in Buddhist ceremonies, evolved from the wooden fish. It is roundish in shape and carved from wood. The elongated opening in the front and the two round holes on both sides represent the mouth and eyes of a fish. As such, the moktak's purpose is to lead practitioners to practice fervently, just like the sleepless fish. The moktak is used to keep time in chanting or during the morning and evening Dharma ceremonies. It is also sounded to call monastics to meals or communal work.

​

​- excerpt from Buddhist English (Elementary 2) published in 2014 by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism​