While there are many schools on how to meditate, a good portion of methods include the burning of incense. Scent can bring about a calm, relaxed state. It's been used by mystics and monks who have meditated as far back as we can look. But if you're new to meditation, you may be wondering what scents are the best to get you in the mood.
The most important detail is not what type of incense you use, but that it not contain artificial ingredients or toxic chemicals. One clue is to watch the smoke of your incense - it should never be black. Quality incense can be found at many new age and metaphysical shops and, of course, via the internet.
Sandalwood (Santalum Album) is number one according to most Buddhists. Offering a warm, rich, sweet, and woody aroma, sandalwood has been used as incense for over 4,000 years.
Aloeswood (Aquillaria spp.) is reputed to instantly produce the calmness achieved by a thirty-minute meditation. It may be the ultimate incense experience, but it's super expensive. According to the article, the least expensive way to get it is in a Japanese blend of sandalwood and aloeswood. It's about $20 a box and is often marketed especially for the purpose of meditation.
Frankincense (Boswellia) has a calming effect on the nervous system. Frankincense contains certain phytochemicals that affect the cerebral cortex and limbic systems - these have been known to expand consciousness and even induce mystical visions!
Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi), not to be confused with American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa), is spicy and earthy. It calms the nerves and strengthens the mind, but it can also make you drowsy. That said, it does not dull the senses but instead increases overall awareness.
For simplicity, sticks are the easiest types of incense to burn. However, some of the better quality stuff won't burn so well on certain types of incense burners (because they burn all the way to the bottom). Use a glass or metal dish or ashtray with sand in the bottom so that the ash from the incense will fall safely into the container.
Just like any type of aromatherapy or treatment, what you choose depends on what appeals to you. While the aforementioned scents are the most popular, you can try anything you like. Keep in mind that scent triggers memory, so be sure to avoid any smells that may hold unpleasant associations for you.
There are varied opinions on when to burn incense as it relates to a meditative practices. Not all practitioners recommend burning incense during the meditation itself because the smoke can be distracting or interefere with breathing. In that case, it should only be used beforehand in order to prepare the room. Om!
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