The incense

What it is

In many spiritual and religious traditions, incense is an integral part of meditative practices, ceremonies, and ritual offerings made to deities and sacred beings. In the Tibetan tradition, incense is also used for therapeutic purposes, offering benefits for the body, the mind, and the environment. It is prepared according to formulas found in ancient medical texts, using plants gathered in the Himalayan regions, as well as minerals, woods, resins, and spices—often with the addition of blessed water and earth. The benefits include mental calmness, improved concentration and emotional balance, the clearing of energy channels, the reduction of tension, the purification of spaces, and protection against negative energies. The origins of Tibetan incense date back to the 7th century, specifically to Thonmi Sambhota—a minister to the King of Tibet—who developed manufacturing techniques that are still employed by artisans today, albeit with the use of more sophisticated machinery.

Appearance

Incense can be prepared using various techniques and formulations, but Tibetan incense generally comes in two main forms: powder and sticks. The powder can also be rolled into twisted paper strips, known as "rope incense." To produce stick incense, a natural binding agent is added to the powder, creating a paste that is pressed through a machine; the resulting long, noodle-like strands are then cut and left to dry. Traditionally, Tibetan incense is prepared in monasteries or within medical clinics and universities. Today, production has expanded to Nepal, Bhutan, and India, following the Tibetan diaspora and the needs of monasteries and practitioners.

How to use

Incense is consumed by burning and therefore must be used with extreme caution: it should be placed in appropriate containers. If it is inserted into a holder, ensure that it does not come into contact with flammable materials such as wood or paper. In the Tibetan tradition, it is common to use wooden incense burners lined with a metal layer, or metal incense burners suspended by small chains—allowing them to be carried and swayed to spread the aroma.

BUY INCENSE AND BURNER

Watch the video to learn how to use the incense.