Difference between revisions of "Incense"
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| − | Incense (''sugandhadhūpa'') is a substance that produces fragrant-smelling smoke when burned. In ancient India incense was usually made from extracts of various flowers or from the aromatic gums produced by certain trees. The Buddha often metaphorically equated virtue with a sweet smell. For example, he said: ‘Of all fragrances – sandalwood, tagara, lotus or jasmine – the fragrance of virtue is by far the sweetest.’ (Dhp.55). And again: ‘The smell of flowers does not go against the wind ... but the perfume of the good person pervades all directions.’ (Dhp.54). When informed Buddhists light incense and place it before the Buddha statue, they silently reflect on the importance of virtue and resolves to practise the Precepts more faithfully. | + | [[Incense]] (''[[sugandhadhūpa]]'') is a [[substance]] that produces fragrant-smelling smoke when burned. In {{Wiki|ancient India}} [[incense]] was usually made from extracts of various [[flowers]] or from the aromatic gums produced by certain [[trees]]. The [[Buddha]] often {{Wiki|metaphorically}} equated [[virtue]] with a sweet {{Wiki|smell}}. For example, he said: ‘Of all fragrances – [[sandalwood]], [[tagara]], [[lotus]] or {{Wiki|jasmine}} – the {{Wiki|fragrance}} of [[virtue]] is by far the sweetest.’ (Dhp.55). And again: ‘The {{Wiki|smell}} of [[flowers]] does not go against the [[wind]] ... but the [[perfume]] of the good [[person]] pervades all [[directions]].’ (Dhp.54). When informed [[Buddhists]] light [[incense]] and place it before the [[Buddha]] statue, they silently reflect on the importance of [[virtue]] and resolves to practise the [[Precepts]] more faithfully. |
| − | In English, sticks of incense are sometimes called | + | In English, sticks of [[incense]] are sometimes called ‘[[joss sticks]].’ The [[word]] joss is derived [[form]] the Portuguese deos meaning ‘[[god]]’ and thus to call [[incense]] ‘[[god]] sticks’ within the [[Buddhist]] context is inappropriate. See [[Aromatherapy]]. |
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[http://www.buddhisma2z.com/content.php?id=189 www.buddhisma2z.com] | [http://www.buddhisma2z.com/content.php?id=189 www.buddhisma2z.com] | ||
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
[[Category:Rituals]] | [[Category:Rituals]] | ||
Revision as of 01:00, 19 March 2014
Incense (sugandhadhūpa) is a substance that produces fragrant-smelling smoke when burned. In ancient India incense was usually made from extracts of various flowers or from the aromatic gums produced by certain trees. The Buddha often metaphorically equated virtue with a sweet smell. For example, he said: ‘Of all fragrances – sandalwood, tagara, lotus or jasmine – the fragrance of virtue is by far the sweetest.’ (Dhp.55). And again: ‘The smell of flowers does not go against the wind ... but the perfume of the good person pervades all directions.’ (Dhp.54). When informed Buddhists light incense and place it before the Buddha statue, they silently reflect on the importance of virtue and resolves to practise the Precepts more faithfully. In English, sticks of incense are sometimes called ‘joss sticks.’ The word joss is derived form the Portuguese deos meaning ‘god’ and thus to call incense ‘god sticks’ within the Buddhist context is inappropriate. See Aromatherapy.
