Anisha Riggs
Incense has been used in Japan for over a thousand years, with roots in Buddhism and the Edo period, when samurai used incense to practice mindfulness before battle. The appreciation of incense is called kōdō in Japanese, and it is considered a classical art form. Today, incense is used in kōdō ceremonies to improve mental well-being, with benefits such as purifying the mind and body, sharpening the senses, and promoting alertness. To light incense, one must hold the stick to a flame, blow out the fire, and place the incense in a stand on top of a ceramic plate to catch the ashes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lighting the incense | Hold one end of the incense stick to a flame until it lights, then blow out the flame or use your fingers to extinguish it. |
| Incense placement | Put the incense in a stand on a ceramic plate, or in an incense burner filled with ash. Place the incense in the centre or corner of a room, not directly next to you. |
| Incense ceremony | Hold the incense between your fingertips with both hands at your waist and bow. Touch the incense to your forehead, keeping it vertical, while placing your other hand in gassho. |
| Incense in meditation | Use incense to re-commit to your meditation practice. Place the incense in the centre of your bowl and bring your hands together, palm-to-palm, just below eye level, in full gassho. Bow to complete your offering. |
| Incense in Shinto | Incense is used in Shinto ceremonies to improve mental well-being. It is believed to bring communication with the transcendent, purify the mind and body, and promote alertness. |
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What You'll Learn
Lighting incense sticks
To light an incense stick, hold one end of the stick to a flame until it ignites. Then, blow on the incense or use your fingers to extinguish the flame, leaving the tip of the incense stick glowing and smoking. You can then place the incense stick in an incense stand on top of a ceramic plate to catch the ashes. Alternatively, you can place the incense stick in a container to hold it upright. Place the incense in the centre or corner of a room, and avoid having it directly next to you.
If you are lighting the incense before meditation, you can place the incense stick in the centre of your incense bowl and bring your hands together, palm-to-palm, just below eye level, in a full gassho position. You can then do a standing bow to complete your offering.
The burning of incense is considered a sacred offering and is believed to calm the mind and allow for communication with the transcendent. In Zen, incense is used as an offering, to focus intention, and to time meditation—short sticks last about 25 minutes, while long sticks last about 45 minutes.
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Using an incense stand and plate
- Lighting the Incense: Hold the tip of the incense stick to a flame, just long enough for it to light. Be careful not to burn yourself. You can use a regular lighter or a candle for this step.
- Blowing Out the Flame: Once the tip of the incense is glowing, gently blow out the flame. You can use your mouth or gently wave your hand to extinguish the flame. Be cautious to avoid spreading the embers.
- Using the Incense Stand and Plate: Place the burning incense stick in an incense stand. The stand will help hold the incense upright and catch any falling ash. Place the incense stand on a ceramic plate for added protection. This setup ensures that the incense burns safely and helps contain the ashes.
- Positioning the Incense: Place the incense stand with the plate in a suitable location, such as the centre or a corner of the room. Avoid placing it too close to you or others, as the ideal way to experience incense is to enjoy the wafting fragrance from a distance.
- Enjoy the Fragrance: As the incense burns, the smoke will rise, filling the room with its pleasant fragrance. You can appreciate the aroma and even notice how it lingers long after it has stopped burning.
Remember, when using an incense stand and plate, always exercise caution when handling the lit incense stick and ensure it is placed on a heat-resistant surface. This method provides a safe and enjoyable way to experience the fragrance of Shinto incense.
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Offering incense
Firstly, light the tip of the incense stick, holding it to the flame just long enough for it to catch fire. Then, blow on the incense or use your fingers to extinguish the flame, leaving the incense glowing and smoking. As the smoke rises, hold the incense stick between the fingertips of both hands at waist level and perform a standing bow in front of your incense bowl, and your altar if you are using one.
Next, touch the unlit end of the incense stick to your forehead, keeping it vertical. Place your free hand in gassho (palm-to-palm) at the midline of your body. This act symbolises intimacy, reverence and gratitude. At this point, you may wish to focus your mind and clarify your intention, perhaps by holding an image or thought of a loved one, or someone who is unwell or deceased. Finally, place the incense stick in the centre of your incense bowl and bring your hands together, palm-to-palm, just below eye level, in full gassho. Perform another standing bow to complete your offering.
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Incense in meditation
Incense has been used in Japan for over a thousand years, with roots in Buddhism and Shintoism. The practice of burning incense, known as "kōdō" in Japanese, is considered an art form and a sacred offering.
When lighting incense for meditation, it is important to follow certain rituals to gain the full benefits of the practice. Firstly, light the tip of the incense stick, holding it to the flame just long enough for it to catch fire. Blow out the flame or use your fingers to extinguish the fire, leaving the tip of the incense stick glowing and smoking. Hold the smoking incense stick between the fingertips of both hands at waist level and perform a standing bow in front of your incense bowl or altar. Touch the unlit end of the incense stick to your forehead, keeping it vertical, while placing your free hand in a gassho position—palm-to-palm—at the midline of your body. This act symbolises intimacy, reverence, and gratitude. Take a moment to gather your thoughts and set your intentions for the meditation session.
Place the incense stick in the centre of your incense bowl and bring your hands together, palm-to-palm, in a full gassho position just below eye level. Perform another standing bow to complete your offering. The incense stick will continue to burn, releasing its fragrance into the air. The length of the incense stick determines the duration of your meditation—short sticks burn for about 25 minutes, while longer sticks can last up to 45 minutes.
The proper use of incense is believed to offer a myriad of benefits, known as the "Ten Virtues of Koh" or "Kōnojūtoku" in Japanese. These virtues include improved communication with the transcendent, purification of mind and body, heightened alertness, and the creation of peaceful moments amidst busy affairs. The aroma of Japanese incense is often subtler than other varieties due to the absence of a bamboo core. The main ingredients used are fragrant woods such as agarwood and sandalwood, along with other aromatic substances and herbs.
Incense burning is a sacred practice that adds a layer of ritual and mindfulness to your meditation sessions. The act of lighting incense helps to calm the mind, improve focus, and create a sense of tranquility. The fragrance of the incense becomes a companion during your meditation journey, guiding you towards a state of relaxation and introspection.
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Incense in Shintoism
The use of incense in Japan is believed to have originated in the 6th century (the Asuka period) with the introduction of Buddhism, which incorporates incense in its rituals and ceremonies. Incense was imported into Japan from China via Korea, and its use was further developed in the Heian period, playing a vital role in court life.
In the context of Shintoism, a flexible and inclusive religion, the use of incense is not prescribed. Shintoism does not require adherence to specific rituals or feelings on a religious level. However, it is important to note that if you belong to a religious Shinto sect that bans incense, you should refrain from using it.
The history of incense in Japan is rich and varied, with different types of incense and rituals emerging over the centuries. For example, during the Tenshō era in the late 16th century, the master craftsman Kōjū practiced the incense ceremony at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This era also saw the formulation of the "Ten Virtues of Kō", which outlines the benefits of using quality incense properly.
Today, incense is widely available in Japan, with companies like Nippon Kodo, Shoyeido, and Baieido being established suppliers. The main ingredients used in Japanese incense are fragrant woods like agarwood and sandalwood, which are combined with other aromatic substances to create distinctive scents.
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Frequently asked questions
Light the tip of the incense stick and blow out the flame. Put the burning incense in an incense stand and place it on top of a ceramic plate to catch the ashes. Place the incense in the centre or corner of a room and avoid having it directly next to you.
The practice of lighting incense in Shinto has a long history dating back to the early days of Buddhism in Japan more than 1,000 years ago. It was introduced to Japan from China during the Edo period when samurai used incense to practice mindfulness before battles.
Lighting incense in Shinto is believed to have several benefits, including purifying the mind and body, sharpening the senses, and promoting alertness. It is also believed to help increase calm and focus, reduce stress and anxiety, and complement meditation or yoga practices.
Popular types of Japanese incense include agarwood, sandalwood, and senkō incense sticks. Agarwood, also known as kōboku, is a fragrant wood that is combined with herbs and other aromatic substances to create incense. Sandalwood originates primarily from India, Indonesia, southern China, or other parts of Southeast Asia. Senkō incense sticks are widely available and are produced on an industrial scale.
When choosing the right incense, consider the ingredients and the benefits you are looking for. Incense can be made with a variety of ingredients, including cinnamon bark, lavender, licorice, and more. Different types of incense are believed to offer different benefits, so choose the one that aligns with your intentions.
