Incense for Meditation

[Mindmaster]

I typically only have interest in a few incenses. Sandalwood is very moderate and agreeable so I tend to use that for meditation, but occasionally I add vervain or benzoin. I'm a very receptive fellow that often gets troubled by our astral neighbors if you burn some of those two with your primary they aren't going to be hanging out. Never buy stick or cone incense they likely are about 90%+ wood and more "oil" than material. It also makes it impossible to mix to your current needs and use less of it. Just don't run out of the damn charcoals hehe..

 

[graalbaum]

I have bought incense powder before for use with charcoal or making your own sticks/cones
specifically hand made by and for pagans

im currently just using frankincense and myrrh sticks

 

[SageTree]

Generally something called "Pontifical Blend" - primarily frankincense, myrrh, and benzoin with some storax. The company that makes it is called "Three Kings".

Found some sweet incense from Mount Athos, in August, while I was staying at the Monastery.

"Rose" is one.
"Desert Flower" is the other.

Both compliment each other well, and neither are as overwhelmingly floral as they might sound.

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam,

Hem chandan is really good scent, very enchanting !
I got so much incense in all kind of forms from India, I have to try them before saying xD But I discovered a nice brand that makes very good chandan incense, with a distinctive smell, but yet not strong.
It's however DAMN DIFFICULT TO LIT D: Seriously

I also learned to make my own one now by mixing some stuff, my favorite I always use for puja is mix of some plants, roots and frankincense I burn on a coal. I made a whole bunch of it...I'll list the ingredients if it can be useful, it smell really wonderful.

Some brands from south India are just the best. I need to look on my shelves at home but I remember the box was orange with Sri Ganesh on it, and another sandalwood one that is burned on a temple I went years ago.

Good memories :')

 

[StarryNightshade]

I primarily use Hem Champa Masala. A nice, relaxing aroma and not too strong on the senses.

 

[Treks]

I have these - I don't light them for meditation though I just have them close by.

They are a blend, the lable says musk, sandalwood and other perfumes.

I've always used them in conjunction with anything spiritual and I have a strong connection with them now of peace and comfort.

 

[NobodyYouKnow]

The only incense I found that can immediately place me in a meditative trance is this one:

It is the musk incense from the Aurobindo Ashram and it's getting harder for me to find now.

The way they make their incense is second to none and there's just something about the musk one that gets me really high and puts me in the mood for meditation - I am already half way there.

 

[FashionOfMyLove]

I use Frankincense and Myrrh, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang and Patchouli.

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam,

THIS is my favorite ever. When I was in Tamil Nadu I took a bunch back to France... This is the best for me, before in every Shiva temple I went there, there was the smell of THIS incense.
Just burning some brings me back to the magnificent Shaivite temples of South India, the gentleness of the priests, the smiles of the devotees...

Aaaaah, I want to go baaaaack to Indiaaa D:

Anyway, this is good stuff, try some if you find it.

 

[Quintessence]

I've been reading a book on incense lately and one thing the source remarks upon is how little regulation there is of the industry. I've been aware of this issue for quite some time, but the book has gotten me thinking about it again. There are very few incense producers, for example, that fully disclose their ingredients. Some of this, understandably, is to protect formularies, but the safety of synthetics in particular has not been well evaluated. More important than the human health concerns, IMHO, are sustainable sourcing practices. I know there are some issues with sandalwood production in particular, and that one is a traditional meditation incense. If only I could grow some sandalwood trees in my own backyard.

 

[metis]

Everyone knows that sandalwood is the best, but only some of us are willing to admit it.

 

[Vinayaka]

Everyone knows that sandalwood is the best, but only some of us are willing to admit it.

of about 500 varieties of sandalwood,which is your favorite?

I use sandalwoood or Nag Champa.. forget which varieties right now. All I know is the sandalwood isn't that black rich-smelling stuff. I prefer subtle.

 

[ShivaFan]

Namaste

You would think I would say something else, but my FAVORITE incense is frankincense. It really puts me in that "mood".

Om Namah Sivaya

 

[Magmagirl]

Favorite incense of all time is Nag Champa! I'm glad it's easy to find. I also like vetiver, sandalwood, frankincense & myrrh, jasmine (but it absolutely has to be GOOD jasmine - you know what I mean!), and occasionally burning a bundle of sage for cleansing.

 

[paradigm13]

Not everyone meditates with aromatics, but for those of you who have, what types of smells have you found the most useful? I'm working on making a list for my own references and you all can be great to help brainstorm.

Ones that I have used myself include sandalwood, lavender, frankincense & myrrh, green tea, and nag champa.

I use nothing other than nag myself