Difference between revisions of "Incense offering"
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[[Incense]] [[offering]], or [[Sang-sol]], is a {{Wiki|ceremony}} performed by [[Bhutanese]] from all walks of [[Life]] to mark important events in their [[lives]]. A widespread national {{Wiki|custom}}, it can be preformed individually or in groups, on occasions such as the annual {{Wiki|ceremony}}, {{Wiki|festivals}} and also at big [[mountain pass]] or preceding other important events. | [[Incense]] [[offering]], or [[Sang-sol]], is a {{Wiki|ceremony}} performed by [[Bhutanese]] from all walks of [[Life]] to mark important events in their [[lives]]. A widespread national {{Wiki|custom}}, it can be preformed individually or in groups, on occasions such as the annual {{Wiki|ceremony}}, {{Wiki|festivals}} and also at big [[mountain pass]] or preceding other important events. | ||
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It is not clear whether the [[Bhutanese]] {{Wiki|custom}} of [[offering]] [[Incense]] originated in [[India]] or not, as only two references to such practice can be found in the [[Indian]] texts. It is mentioned in the [[Guhyasamaja Tantra]] that one should know about the three kinds of {{Wiki|fragrance}}. The other reference is to be found in the story of [[Bhadri of Magadha]], which tells of how she invited The [[Buddha]] to her house and made [[offerings]] of smoke to him from the roof. | It is not clear whether the [[Bhutanese]] {{Wiki|custom}} of [[offering]] [[Incense]] originated in [[India]] or not, as only two references to such practice can be found in the [[Indian]] texts. It is mentioned in the [[Guhyasamaja Tantra]] that one should know about the three kinds of {{Wiki|fragrance}}. The other reference is to be found in the story of [[Bhadri of Magadha]], which tells of how she invited The [[Buddha]] to her house and made [[offerings]] of smoke to him from the roof. | ||
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According to the writings of various [[scholars]], it seems that [[Incense]] [[offering]] was carried out in [[Bhutan]] from the very early times | According to the writings of various [[scholars]], it seems that [[Incense]] [[offering]] was carried out in [[Bhutan]] from the very early times | ||
when the [[teacher]] [[Tonpa Sherab]], founder of the [[Bon religion]], first came from [[Zhang Zhung]] (Afghanistan/Tadzhikistan?) to spread his [[Doctrine]] in [[Bhutan]]. | when the [[teacher]] [[Tonpa Sherab]], founder of the [[Bon religion]], first came from [[Zhang Zhung]] (Afghanistan/Tadzhikistan?) to spread his [[Doctrine]] in [[Bhutan]]. | ||
The oldest extant text on [[Incense]] [[offering]], dates back to the eight century, when the [[Indian master]] [[Padmasambhava]] came to [[Bhutan]] and | The oldest extant text on [[Incense]] [[offering]], dates back to the eight century, when the [[Indian master]] [[Padmasambhava]] came to [[Bhutan]] and | ||
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built [[Samye Monastery]]. This manual, containing detailed instructions on how to preform the [[ritual]], was then hidden by him to await discovery at some appropriate juncture in the {{Wiki|future}}. Several centuries later, two [[Treasure masters]] ([[tertons]]), one from northern [[Tibet]] and another from | built [[Samye Monastery]]. This manual, containing detailed instructions on how to preform the [[ritual]], was then hidden by him to await discovery at some appropriate juncture in the {{Wiki|future}}. Several centuries later, two [[Treasure masters]] ([[tertons]]), one from northern [[Tibet]] and another from | ||
the [[south]], discovered and revealed it. based on this [[Treasure]] ([[Terma]]) text many [[Nyingma]], [[Kagyu]] and [[Sakya]] [[lamas]] composed the [[Incense]] [[offering]]. | the [[south]], discovered and revealed it. based on this [[Treasure]] ([[Terma]]) text many [[Nyingma]], [[Kagyu]] and [[Sakya]] [[lamas]] composed the [[Incense]] [[offering]]. | ||
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The [[Incense offering]] should be done in the morning on a clean and elevated outdoor site, free of {{Wiki|insects}}., either on a [[hill]] or the top of a house and inhabited by many [[local gods]] and [[nagas]]. If performed during a {{Wiki|festival}}, all the inhabitants of a locality may assemble and, at the end of the [[offering]], stand in a row and throw a handful of [[tsampa]] ([[roasted barley flour]]) in the [[air]]. As this is usually a [[happy]] occasion, a [[dance]] often follows. In the summer, [[incense offering]] is often associated with picnics on top of [[mountains]]. | The [[Incense offering]] should be done in the morning on a clean and elevated outdoor site, free of {{Wiki|insects}}., either on a [[hill]] or the top of a house and inhabited by many [[local gods]] and [[nagas]]. If performed during a {{Wiki|festival}}, all the inhabitants of a locality may assemble and, at the end of the [[offering]], stand in a row and throw a handful of [[tsampa]] ([[roasted barley flour]]) in the [[air]]. As this is usually a [[happy]] occasion, a [[dance]] often follows. In the summer, [[incense offering]] is often associated with picnics on top of [[mountains]]. | ||
It is closely linked with the hanging of [[prayer flags]] from [[trees]] or tall poles, especially on the third day of the [[new year]], but also on other [[auspicious]] days. | It is closely linked with the hanging of [[prayer flags]] from [[trees]] or tall poles, especially on the third day of the [[new year]], but also on other [[auspicious]] days. | ||
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The [[incense]] should be burned in a large urn-shaped burner ([[sang-khun]]) and should not have been trampled by [[people]] or [[animals]]. [[Wood]], not coal, should be used as fuel and the [[substance]] to be burned as [[incense]] should be fragrant, such as the leaves of fern or [[juniper]], or the branches of coniferous [[tree]], rhododendron, and [[red]] or [[white sandalwood]]. In addition, [[tsampa]], butter, sugar, and {{Wiki|medicinal}} [[plants]], and other {{Wiki|substances}} free from the taint of [[alcohol]], onion or [[garlic]] are burned. | The [[incense]] should be burned in a large urn-shaped burner ([[sang-khun]]) and should not have been trampled by [[people]] or [[animals]]. [[Wood]], not coal, should be used as fuel and the [[substance]] to be burned as [[incense]] should be fragrant, such as the leaves of fern or [[juniper]], or the branches of coniferous [[tree]], rhododendron, and [[red]] or [[white sandalwood]]. In addition, [[tsampa]], butter, sugar, and {{Wiki|medicinal}} [[plants]], and other {{Wiki|substances}} free from the taint of [[alcohol]], onion or [[garlic]] are burned. | ||
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When [[offering]] [[incense]], [[people]] should examine their [[motivation]] andreflect that by making this [[offering]] to [[lamas]], [[meditational deities]] and [[religious]] [[protectors]], they will [[accumulate]] [[merit]], which they should dedicate to the [[benefit]] of all [[sentient beings]]. If they have any specific requests, such as [[prayers]] for longevity or the removal ofobstacles to [[religious practice]], they should be made at this point. | When [[offering]] [[incense]], [[people]] should examine their [[motivation]] andreflect that by making this [[offering]] to [[lamas]], [[meditational deities]] and [[religious]] [[protectors]], they will [[accumulate]] [[merit]], which they should dedicate to the [[benefit]] of all [[sentient beings]]. If they have any specific requests, such as [[prayers]] for longevity or the removal ofobstacles to [[religious practice]], they should be made at this point. | ||
Next the practitioners [[take refuge]], [[meditate]] on the [[four immeasurable]] wishes, [[love]], [[compassion]], [[joy]], [[equanimity]], and [[visualize]] themselves | Next the practitioners [[take refuge]], [[meditate]] on the [[four immeasurable]] wishes, [[love]], [[compassion]], [[joy]], [[equanimity]], and [[visualize]] themselves | ||
as [[deities]]. | as [[deities]]. | ||
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{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
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[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
[[Category:Rituals]] | [[Category:Rituals]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Offerings]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:29, 4 August 2022
Incense offering, or Sang-sol, is a ceremony performed by Bhutanese from all walks of Life to mark important events in their lives. A widespread national custom, it can be preformed individually or in groups, on occasions such as the annual ceremony, festivals and also at big mountain pass or preceding other important events.
Origins
It is not clear whether the Bhutanese custom of offering Incense originated in India or not, as only two references to such practice can be found in the Indian texts. It is mentioned in the Guhyasamaja Tantra that one should know about the three kinds of fragrance. The other reference is to be found in the story of Bhadri of Magadha, which tells of how she invited The Buddha to her house and made offerings of smoke to him from the roof.
According to the writings of various scholars, it seems that Incense offering was carried out in Bhutan from the very early times when the teacher Tonpa Sherab, founder of the Bon religion, first came from Zhang Zhung (Afghanistan/Tadzhikistan?) to spread his Doctrine in Bhutan. The oldest extant text on Incense offering, dates back to the eight century, when the Indian master Padmasambhava came to Bhutan and
built Samye Monastery. This manual, containing detailed instructions on how to preform the ritual, was then hidden by him to await discovery at some appropriate juncture in the future. Several centuries later, two Treasure masters (tertons), one from northern Tibet and another from the south, discovered and revealed it. based on this Treasure (Terma) text many Nyingma, Kagyu and Sakya lamas composed the Incense offering.
The Ritual
The Incense offering should be done in the morning on a clean and elevated outdoor site, free of insects., either on a hill or the top of a house and inhabited by many local gods and nagas. If performed during a festival, all the inhabitants of a locality may assemble and, at the end of the offering, stand in a row and throw a handful of tsampa (roasted barley flour) in the air. As this is usually a happy occasion, a dance often follows. In the summer, incense offering is often associated with picnics on top of mountains. It is closely linked with the hanging of prayer flags from trees or tall poles, especially on the third day of the new year, but also on other auspicious days.
The incense should be burned in a large urn-shaped burner (sang-khun) and should not have been trampled by people or animals. Wood, not coal, should be used as fuel and the substance to be burned as incense should be fragrant, such as the leaves of fern or juniper, or the branches of coniferous tree, rhododendron, and red or white sandalwood. In addition, tsampa, butter, sugar, and medicinal plants, and other substances free from the taint of alcohol, onion or garlic are burned.
When offering incense, people should examine their motivation andreflect that by making this offering to lamas, meditational deities and religious protectors, they will accumulate merit, which they should dedicate to the benefit of all sentient beings. If they have any specific requests, such as prayers for longevity or the removal ofobstacles to religious practice, they should be made at this point. Next the practitioners take refuge, meditate on the four immeasurable wishes, love, compassion, joy, equanimity, and visualize themselves as deities.
