What’s the purpose of incense burning in Zen? ~ Q+A with Julian Daizan Skinner

The burning of incense originated in India thousands of years ago - way before the time of the Buddha - as a symbolic offering to cleanse the air and purify the space. But in this video Daizan adds the Zen dimension to the use of incense. He teaches that the incense stick represents you - and as it burns (representing you living an awakened life) it perfumes the room (i.e. your wholesome actions have positive effects on all around you).
He also discusses some more pragmatic uses of incense, and also some alternatives for those who don't cope well with incense smoke.
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Zenways promotes and encourages activities and practices that enhance human wellbeing, balance and awakening (satori or kensho - the enlightenment of Zen) in the many different situations we find ourselves in. Over many years of strict training, in Japan and the west, Julian Daizan Skinner received dharma transmission and permission to teach in both the Rinzai and Soto lineages of Zen. He now teaches at the Yugagyo Dojo in London, UK. May these recordings help you and those around you to find and realise the truth.
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[@juangalton999]

Thank you for the insight of this tradition Daizan! 🙏

[@Zenways_zen]

You're very welcome 🙏🏿

[@reubencain605]

What a beautiful metaphor in practice. Thank you Daizan!

[@Zenways_zen]

You're very welcome, Reuben.

[@MrPsiman]

the 5 - ish inch Japanese incense sticks have been used as time counters of around 25 - ish minutes and the time of a zazen practice.

[@Zenways_zen]

🙏

[@ultrafeel-tv]

Very interesting, especially the comparison of the incense stick to the duration of our lives!

[@Zenways_zen]

You're very welcome.

[@jeremypfrost]

Lovely interpretation

[@Zenways_zen]

🙏🏿

[@Rakugo369]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏻📿

[@Zenways_zen]

You are welcome!

[@joanpeters9418]

So very interesting. Thank you!

[@Zenways_zen]

You're very welcome, Joan

[@Vince-ml9gw]

🙏

[@Zenways_zen]

🙏