Home
Since
ancient times incense has been used in rituals and religious practices. Whether
to appease the gods or enhance magic spells, it has remained a powerful tool
for spiritual use.The burning of incense often accompanies prayers, invocations
and spells. As the smoke rises up to the heavens it often represents the
requests reaching their destination and approval by a divine entity. Incense is
also believed to have properties that dispel negative energy.
For
most Indians, incense remains an important part of the daily puja ritual, which
is a religious offering performed by all Hindus to their deities, especially
during the beginning of a new venture, or to commemorate some special occasion.
The aspect of the ritual known as dhupa involves the offering of incense before the picture of a
deity, as a token of respect.
A sadhu will regularly burn incense in this fashion, as a gesture to Agni, the God of Fire. For
the sadhu, the world is alive with unseen forces that must be continually
propitiated with offerings and cleansing rituals. Their sacred fireplaces,
known as dhuni,
perform the same function as incense, on a larger scale, which is to transform
matter into Aether. Burning incense is thus a reminder, of the sacred power of
fire to transform, and the ultimate journey of all physical matter towards
spirit.
Today
incense is used in many religions including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism
and Neopaganism to name a few. Buddhists often use incense in their temples and
for meditation at their personal altars. Christians use it during worship to
symbolize the prayers of the faithful going to heaven. Among Hindus, incense
accompanies practically all forms of worship. Neopagans and Wiccans employ the
use of incense in their rituals often to represent the elements and to create
an atmosphere conducive to magic and the presence of deities.
Whether
you perform any form of spiritual worship or not, the personal use of incense
can help you in a number of ways. It can clear a room of negative energy and
purify your space. It can help clear your mind and increase your focus during
meditation or any activity requiring concentration.
