Tibetan Incense
The art of making incense has been respected in Asia for many centuries. Tibetan incense is made of natural oils from flowers, leaves, fruit and trees, as well as of pitch, roots, spice, and herbs collected in the Himalayan highland. These components are mixed properly to make marvelous incense for mind and soul pacification. For many centuries the incense has been used as a cure for numerous diseases and illnesses, a means of depuration of habitations and temples, and an aid for meditation. In spiritual practices and rituals Tibetan incense serves as an offering to the Divine Powers.
In Tibet, pleasant aroma has never been the main target of burning incense; this is the principal distinction of Tibetan incense from other ones. Formulas, according to which Tibetan incense is made, are based upon ancient and deep mystical knowledge of the visual and spiritual planes interaction.
Some recipes were worked out by noted Tibetan doctors; such incense relieves body and mind illnesses. Other recipes were composed by the great mystics of Tibetan Buddhism and the Bon tradition; this kind of incense is used to depurate living space, to eliminate negative energies and evil spirits, and as an offering during puja.
Tibetan incense aroma is very rarely characterized by sweetness that is often there in Indian incense. This can be explained by climatic differences. Bitter fragrance imparts energy and warm of joy to a body, which is appreciated during cold seasons.
Due to the lack of a bamboo core, Tibetan incense changes its fragrance during burning, adding new fragrances to the initial one. Formulas of Tibetan incense sometimes have up to 108 components, among which there are no narcotic and allergenic substances. Each sort of Tibetan incense has its own inimitable aroma and unique medical and extrasensory effect.
Tibetan incense made in Nepal never contains synthetic components due to the lack of local chemical industry.
Incense is an easy-to-use and effective means of raising one’s spirits, improving health and recovering the joy of life.
“Tibetan Incense”, transl. by Yana Soboleva
