In the light of the “Ten Virtues of Incense” written by Huang Tingjian, a famous writer of the Song Dynasty (later reputed as the “Sage of Incense”), we can perceive the philosophy of life summarized by the famous Chinese literati in the cultural activities of incense.
1. Incense burning sharpens the senses and opens the mind to divinity. 感格鬼神
“Incense is a substance that purely gathers the Yang in the world.” Since ancient times, incense has been associated with rituals and religions, and is said to be able to communicate with the essence of all things in the world through the interaction of Yang. The use of incense, not only in the sense of the world spirits, but also in introspection, in the solitude with the practitioners’ own souls.
2. Incense purifies the mind and body. 清淨心身
The aroma lingers and clings to the body, which helps Yang energy to flourish, and also purifies the surrounding magnetic field by the act of using incense, so that the mind and body are at peace and naturally comfortable.
3. Incense burning divests the mind of worldly impurities. 能除汚穢
The ability to keep neatness and hygiene of environmental spaces is one of the greatest differences between humans and lower animals. Especially in the post-epidemic era of COVID-19, it is a new way of life to keep the air clean and avoid infection from respiratory diseases by using the proper incense products regularly.
4. Incense wakes up the mind and brings alertness. 能覺睡眠
For alertness, incense can calm the mind to give you cozy sleep. Many of us are in a sub-healthy state, due to sleep disorders caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, the fast pace of work and other factors that lead to imbalance of the body’s Yin and Yang. Before going to bed, you are suggested to burn incense or use fragrance, essential oils, to help you relax, calm the mind and sleep well. With long-term use, the length and depth of sleep will be well regulated.
5. Incense is a companion to solitude. 静中成友
Incense is a pleasant and tranquil item, both a pleaser and a good friend. More importantly, in the process of using incense, you can have a dialogue with your own mind, detaching yourself from the interconnected world.
6. In the midst of activities, incense brings a moment of peace. 塵裏偸閑
It is very important to take time out of the busy life, to allow your mind and body to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.
7. One never gets tired of incense even when there is plenty. 多而不厭
Be it spices or others, keep a normal mind. Not pleased by external gains, and not saddened by personal losses. Be never tired of the plenty, but also always be satisfied.
8. A little incense is enough for one to be satisfied. 寡而為足
Live according to your abilities and be content. Greed is the first of the five poisons. Without “greed, anger, obsession, slowness and doubt”, life will be moving and happy at any time.
9. Time does not change the efficacy of incense. 久蔵不朽
One should be like a spice that will not decay even after a long time of storage. Especially like incense: after being damaged by external forces, in the process of continuous self-healing, it absorbs all the surrounding beneficial substances, including trace elements and minerals, brewing and accumulating for a long time, eventually recover from the wound and become the world’s treasures.
10. Habitual use of incense causes no harm. 常用無障
Over thousands of years, the Chinese people’s life with incense can be described as ubiquitous. Through serious study and in-depth research, people get experience that incense can be commonly used. If used properly, there will be a hundred benefits and no harm. This is the best interpretation of recognizing “limit” of everything in the use of incense.
