Seamus Hammond
Incense is a powerful practice with ancient roots in many religions, including Buddhism. It is believed to bring a sacredness to the olfactory sense, much like chanting, rituals, and altars engage the other senses. In Buddhism, offering incense is a ritual devotional action (Pūjā) made to a Buddha, deity, or the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha). The practice is believed to generate respect, gratitude, and inspiration in the practitioner and is also seen as a way to stimulate the blessings and power of the Buddhas. The burning of incense is thought to represent the fragrant scent of morality and signifies the fragrance of pure ethics.
How to Offer Incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense Type | Stick, loose, cone, coil |
| Incense Length | 15cm/6 inches |
| Incense Scent | Sandalwood, pine, cedar, juniper, pinion pine, sage, thyme, lemongrass, rosemary, star anise, Lavender, iris, rose, saffron, hibiscus, Orange flower, cinnamon, calamus root, frankincense, vanilla, myrrh |
| Incense Source | Western "dharma supply" stores, Japanese, Tibetan, Indian |
| Incense Container | Bowl, brazier, box, shell, handmade burner |
| Incense Holder | Two hands, one covering the other with three fingers grabbing the stick |
| Incense Lighting | Candle, match, not a lighter |
| Incense Offering | Bow with palms together, touch to forehead, place in front of Buddha Statue |
| Incense Bowl | Ceramic, metal, filled with incense ash, fine sand, uncooked rice |
| Incense Purpose | Purify space, create tranquil mood, signify respect, generate positive qualities, stimulate blessings and power of Buddhas |
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What You'll Learn
Incense stick length and scent
The length and scent of an incense stick are important factors to consider when offering incense. While the specific procedure for offering incense may vary, the type of incense stick chosen can play a significant role in the overall experience.
Incense sticks come in various lengths, and the appropriate length may depend on the cultural context and personal preference. In the context of offering incense in one's room, it is recommended to use shorter Japanese-style incense sticks, which are typically about 15 cm (6 inches) long, rather than the longer Chinese-style incense sticks. Japanese incense is known for its subtle fragrance and is a good choice if you prefer a milder scent. On the other hand, Tibetan incense offers a more assertive fragrance if you prefer a stronger aroma.
Indian, Tibetan, and Japanese incense sticks are commonly available in Western "dharma supply" stores and catalogues. The length of incense sticks can vary, with some outliers reaching 9" (23 cm) or even 11" (28 cm). However, the more common length for evenly thick sticks is around 3-4 mm thick. The length of the incense itself may be around 6-7 inches, with an additional 1-2 inches of bamboo protrusion. This variation in length can be due to differences in production methods or hand-rolling techniques.
When it comes to scent, the type of incense stick you choose will depend on your intended purpose and personal preference. Traditional incense scents like Frankincense and Myrrh are classic choices that have been enjoyed by many cultures for thousands of years. These scents are perfect for those new to incense, as they offer exotic aromas that have been used in various spiritual practices.
In some cases, the scent of incense may be more subtle, as is the case with Japanese incense, which produces less smoke. Chinese incense sticks, on the other hand, can be highly scented and are often quite expensive due to the use of large amounts of sandalwood, agarwood, or floral scents. Sandalwood, in particular, is a significant ingredient in Chinese incense and is valued for its aromatic qualities. However, it is important to note that some incense sticks may be unscented or have only a slight trace of jasmine or rose, as in the case of those used in certain Chinese religious contexts, where the smoke is considered more important than the scent.
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Lighting the incense
Lighting incense is a simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you're practising safely and getting the most out of your incense. Firstly, choose the right incense stick for you. Different types of incense have different burn times and may produce more or less smoke, so it's worth doing a little research to find the best one for your needs. For example, Japanese incense sticks tend to be thicker and shorter than other incense sticks, making them ideal for a dense aroma in a small space.
Once you've chosen your incense, it's time to prepare your space. Incense produces smoke, so it's important to burn it in a well-ventilated area. Place your incense holder on a heat-proof surface, ensuring it is stable and designed to catch falling ash. Keep the incense away from flammable objects and out of the reach of children and pets.
Now you're ready to light your incense. Hold the incense stick at a slight angle and use a match or lighter to ignite the tip. You can either hold the stick in your hand or place it in the holder while lighting it. Allow the flame to burn for a few seconds, then gently blow it out. You should see a small glowing ember and smell the incense's fragrance. If not, you may have accidentally extinguished the incense and will need to repeat the process.
Finally, sit back and enjoy the aromatic experience of your incense. Remember to keep a close eye on your incense and never leave it burning unattended. When you're finished, carefully extinguish the incense on a fireproof surface and wait for the ash to cool before discarding it.
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Holding the incense
Firstly, choose the type of incense you wish to burn. Incense comes in many forms, including sticks, cones, and ropes. Stick incense is the most common and typically the best option for beginners, while cones offer a longer burn time. Cored incense sticks are covered in incense material with the bottom inch left uncovered, while solid incense sticks burn all the way down. The type of incense you choose will determine the type of holder you need.
When you are ready to light the incense, hold one end of the incense stick and light the other end with a match or lighter. You can also use a candle, as some believe that using a lighter is not the correct way to light incense. Hold the flame to the incense until it catches fire, then remove the flame and let the incense burn for a few seconds. You can then gently blow out the flame or give it a light shake or gentle touch to extinguish any remaining flame. Be careful not to hold the incense stick too close to the burner, as this can cause it to catch fire.
Once the incense is lit, you can place it in an incense holder or burner. If you are right-handed, you can pick up the incense stick with your thumb, index, and middle finger, representing Buddha Dharma Sangha. Hold the lit stick between your two middle fingers in the gassho position and bow once. Place the incense in a sturdy holder filled with non-flammable sand or rice to catch any falling ash. Ensure the holder is stable and placed on a heat-resistant surface to prevent fire hazards.
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Purifying the room
When choosing an incense type, opt for a mild fragrance, like sandalwood, to create a tranquil and pure space. Avoid strong fragrances like strawberry or vanilla. Japanese incense is a good choice for a subtle fragrance with less smoke, while Tibetan incense provides a more assertive scent. If you are making your own incense, you can use essential oils to create your desired fragrance. Common scents for incense include wood, herbal, and floral fragrances.
Once you have selected or created your incense, you can begin to prepare it for burning. If you are using incense sticks, coat the sticks with your chosen essential oil and allow them to dry for up to five days. If you are using loose incense, place it in a small brazier or a simple box filled with ash, sand, or burning charcoal.
Finally, when lighting the incense, it is customary to light a candle first and then use the candle to light the incense. In Asia, it is considered disrespectful to blow out the flame; instead, you can wave the incense to put it out or fan the flames with your hands.
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Symbolic meanings
The symbolic meaning of incense varies across different cultures and religions.
Christianity
Incense has been used in Christian worship since antiquity, and its use is inspired by passages in the Bible. In the Old Testament, incense was burnt in connection with animal offerings. The sweet smell and rising smoke of incense became symbolic of something pleasing to God, with the smoke representing prayers rising up to God. In the Book of Revelation, incense symbolises the prayers of the saints in heaven, with the smoke infusing upwards towards the altar of God. Incense is also used in funeral Masses, where it indicates reverence for the body, and in liturgies, where it shows respect for the word of God and Christ.
Hinduism
Incense has been used in India since 3600 BC and is a common practice in prayers and worship. Incense is offered to God, usually by rotating the sticks thrice in a clockwise direction, as an offering made with love.
Buddhism
Incense holds an invaluable role in East Asian Buddhist ceremonies and rites. In Chinese and Japanese Buddhism, the smoke from incense is believed to symbolise spirit and can represent luck, guidance, or the state of one's mind.
Ancient Egypt
Incense was burned in temples as offerings to the gods and to purify sacred spaces.
Other symbolic meanings of incense
In various cultures and spiritual traditions, the way incense smoke flows is thought to carry different meanings. For example, smoke that rises straight up without swirling is often interpreted as a symbol of purity and positive energy, while smoke that moves downward is seen as a sign of grounding and stability. Additionally, the different scents of incense are believed to have unique symbolic meanings. For instance, cinnamon is associated with passion and peace, rosemary is used for cleansing and purifying, and coconut is known for its soothing and relaxing effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Japanese incense is subtle and less smokey, while Tibetan incense is more assertive. If you're burning incense indoors, it's best to use a short Japanese stick with a mild sandalwood scent.
Light a candle first, then use the candle to light the incense. In some cultures, it is considered disrespectful to blow out the flame, so you can wave the incense to put it out or fan the flame with your hand.
You can light the incense with a match.
Hold the lit incense stick vertically between your two middle fingers in the gassho position and bow once.
Place the unlit end of the incense stick into an incense bowl filled with incense ash, fine, clean sand, or uncooked rice.
