When you think of the calming, reflective state of meditation you will most likely associate it with the use of incense. The burning of incense has long been an accompaniment to meditation, but you may be wondering why this is so. For one thing it can help to induce a centered and calm state of mind, and it's also believed that incense may carry away any negative energy. The purifying, calming aspects of incense can also help you get in touch with what is sacred during meditation.
Before or During?
Some people like burning incense during their meditative state and will light it just before beginning. But other meditation practitioners prefer burning the incense before they begin, as a way to prepare the room. You may find that keeping the incense lit during meditation may be distracting, or you may find the scent to of incense to be a helpful tool during meditation. Just remember it's your personal spiritual practice, so whichever way you choose is up to you. Some people, particularly those who are sensitive to fragrance of any kind, choose not to use incense at all.
Which Fragrance is the Right Fragrance?
You may have read or heard that only certain fragrances should be used for certain meditative purposes. For example, sandalwood is known to have a calming effect while cinnamon can be more invigorating. But each of us has our own individual preferences, and what works for one person may not work for another. In other words, whatever scent or scents connect with your spirit is the one you should use.
To find the right scent for you, it's best to experiment a little. Buy an incense sample kit and burn the different fragrances, one at a time, to see how you respond to the fragrance. Again you may decide that you'd prefer not using incense at all.
A Little Advice
When purchasing incense only buy good quality incense with natural ingredients. Avoid incense containing synthetic fragrance, chemical binders or glues. An example of this is a product known as dipped incense. This is just an unscented stick or cone that has been dipped in a fragrance oil. It doesn't contain any natural plant product and these sticks are often made in countries where there are no regulations for production.
Incense can help you to connect with your spirit during meditation and purify your sacred space. Trust your own inner wisdom when it comes to choosing the right scent for you or whether you want to use incense. Make your time of meditation one that truly resonates with your spirit.
Further Reading:
The Use of Fragrance in Spiritual Rituals
