Greetings,
I was just wondering if people use incense and under what circumstances and for what purposes they would use it?
I don't use it often, mainly because I don't see the need and because my wife doesn't like it. I did however get a small packet of Japanese incense the other day and it's actually quite nice. Better than the stuff from the $2 shop.
Metta,
Retro.
Incense - Yes or No
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Incense - Yes or No
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Re: Incense - Yes or No
yes but only as a room fragrances! not for anything else
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Re: Incense - Yes or No
It's an intregal part of the program where I am (in a wat in Thailand)...it is lit before every ceremony going, usually three sticks (a single stick at a funeral) , both communally and individualy...all the time...to represent (I believe) the Triple Gem....it's nice, as mentioned, for the fragrance, and also works well on the mosquitos...
Be well...
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Re: Incense - Yes or No
i use it as a meditation timer... a hold over from my zen days...
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Re: Incense - Yes or No
Greetings venerable Appicchato,
Oh yes, I forgot to include that when I go for meditation at lunchtime at a nearby Mahayana temple I offer a stick of incense to the Buddha.
JC ~ Yes, I've used it for that purpose before too... I must have heard a Zen practitioner mention it and thought it sounded like a sensible idea.
Metta,
Retro.
Oh yes, I forgot to include that when I go for meditation at lunchtime at a nearby Mahayana temple I offer a stick of incense to the Buddha.
JC ~ Yes, I've used it for that purpose before too... I must have heard a Zen practitioner mention it and thought it sounded like a sensible idea.
Metta,
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Re: Incense - Yes or No
In a household where life revolves around the studious activity of the Alpha male round here (! ) I rarely get the opportunity for quiet time, as I work full time (lately, for the past 2 months or so, it's been a six - occasionally 7 - day-week for me!) So any time I get for quiet reflection, introspection and meditation has been a bit like rocking horse droppings.
I find therefore, if I get a moment to light an incence stick, the fragrance helps to keep me focussed and centred, as I go about whatever daily task I'm doing. Usually a domestic necessity.
I find therefore, if I get a moment to light an incence stick, the fragrance helps to keep me focussed and centred, as I go about whatever daily task I'm doing. Usually a domestic necessity.
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Simplify: 17 into 1 WILL go: Mindfulness!
Quieta movere magna merces videbatur. (Sallust, c.86-c.35 BC)
Translation: Just to stir things up seemed a good reward in itself.
I am sooooo happy - How on earth could I be otherwise?!
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Re: Incense - Yes or No
Actually, I don't use incense other than as a room fragrance, and incense gets used in this household regularly for that purpose.
I've noted some friends who practice zazen also use incense as a meditation timer which I think is neat.
Kind regards
Ben
I've noted some friends who practice zazen also use incense as a meditation timer which I think is neat.
Kind regards
Ben
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- Cormac McCarthy, The Road
Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725
Compassionate Hands Foundation (Buddhist aid in Myanmar) • Buddhist Global Relief • UNHCR
e: [email protected]..
Re: Incense - Yes or No
Retro,
No, I don't really like the smell. I will use some when I visit temples, but even then, not very often.
Jason
No, I don't really like the smell. I will use some when I visit temples, but even then, not very often.
Jason
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Re: Incense - Yes or No
Smell is the sense most closely linked to memory. My experience is that, if one always has incense for meditation, then the smell of incense can trigger recollection of meditation. I find this useful when my mind wanders: one good whiff and I remember what I am there for!
Om mani padme hum
Keith
Om mani padme hum
Keith
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Re: Incense - Yes or No
All the time - as a purification and a centraliser. I am an incense nut.
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Re: Incense - Yes or No
Greetings Keith,
That's a good point... I have a similar response.
Metta,
Retro.
That's a good point... I have a similar response.
Metta,
Retro.
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Incense - Yes or No
Hi
I read not so long ago that incense is just as carcinogenic as cigarette smoke, so we don't use it in the house any more, just outside!
Graham
I read not so long ago that incense is just as carcinogenic as cigarette smoke, so we don't use it in the house any more, just outside!
Graham
With metta
Graham
Graham
Re: Incense - Yes or No
[x] room fragrance
[ ] ritualistic purpose
Sandalwood is nice...
[ ] ritualistic purpose
Sandalwood is nice...
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Re: Incense - Yes or No
I like incense, but heard or read somewhere once that the smoke can be almost as bad as second-hand smoke from cigarettes. Anyone know about the science of that?
So since then, I only light incense when I am leading a group at my place or when the monks come over.
So since then, I only light incense when I am leading a group at my place or when the monks come over.
Re: Incense - Yes or No
I really wouldn't use them indoors!
'Burning joss sticks 'as deadly as traffic fumes or cigarette smoke'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/30/health" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Graham
'Burning joss sticks 'as deadly as traffic fumes or cigarette smoke'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/30/health" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Graham