I am a convert !!!
Cushions are an essential purchase, especially for larger singing bowls.
My cushions dampen the large movement that otherwise occurs when striking my bowl with a mallet. Allows bowls to be closer together without clanging into each other - and ruining the 'singing bowl' tones.
They look really nice too.
Son of Drum provides an excellent service. I wish Son of Drum ongoing success.
BTW, I also recommend a mallet for creating 'ethereal' low pitch tones.