Tibetan Incense - Tibet Vista

Tibetan incense is a traditional handicraft often used in Buddhist practices. Tibetan people burn incense as offerings to Buddhas and pray for good fortune at home almost every day.

In this guide, we will take you through everything you may want to know about Tibetan incense. Keep reading, and you will learn its origin, usage, types, production method, and places where you can experience it on your trip in Tibet.

Content

What Is Tibetan Incense? A Sacred Ritual Object in Tibetan Buddhism

What Is the History of Tibetan Incense?

What Is Tibetan Incense Used for? Spiritual and Healing Benefits

How Traditional Tibetan Incense Is Made? A Meticulous Process

What Are the Types of Tibetan Incense? From Long Sticks to Cones

What Are the Most Renowned Traditional Tibetan Incenses?

Where to Buy Tibetan Incense on Your Tibet Tour?

Conclusion

What Is Tibetan Incense? A Sacred Ritual Object in Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan incense is a traditional handmade product in Tibet. It is usually in the form of a long stick, but it does not contain an inner bamboo or wooden stick. Made from many medicinal plants and natural spices, it is believed to be beneficial for health.

As a sacred item in Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetan incense is often used in Buddhist rituals, offerings, ceremonies, and prayers. Tibetans think its aroma can calm the mind, purify the surroundings, and create a peaceful atmosphere for meditation.

Today, Tibetan incense also attracts travelers who are interested in its natural fragrance and spiritual benefits during their journeys in Tibet.

Tibetan incense is a traditional handmade product in Tibet.

What Is the History of Tibetan Incense?

Tibetan incense was introduced to Tibet from India in the 8th century during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo. It has remained significant in Tibetan history for more than 1,300 years.

According to historical accounts, King Songtsen Gampo had once sent sixteen young Tibetan men to India to study Buddhism. One young monk, Thonmi Sambhota, finished his learning and mastered the techniques of making incense in India.

When Thonmi Sambhota returned to Tibet, he combined the incense-making methods with Tibetan herbs and spices, creating what is now known as Tibetan incense. Then it quickly became popular and essential in Tibetan Buddhist practices.

Tibetan incense has a history of more than 1,300 years.

What Is Tibetan Incense Used for? Spiritual and Healing Benefits

Tibetan incense is used in both Buddhist worship and the everyday life of local pilgrims.

The smoke from the incense is considered a symbolic representation of prayers being sent to the deities, so it is usually used as an offering to the Buddhas. Tibetans often burn it in the small Buddhist altars at home almost every morning to gain merit and eliminate karmic obstacles.

Especially during some Tibetan festivals and important ceremonies, many pilgrims will burn Tibetan incense, make offerings, worship the Buddhas, and pray for auspiciousness.

In daily life, Tibetans use it to create a spiritual atmosphere that supports their practices, such as meditation and chanting mantras. The incense is also used in households to purify the home and drive away evil spirits.

In addition, Tibetan incense is traditionally used as a complementary therapy in Tibetan medical treatment of ailments like headaches and insomnia, since it contains many medicinal ingredients such as saffron and myrrh.

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How Traditional Tibetan Incense Is Made? A Meticulous Process

The traditional method of making Tibetan incense is intricate and time-consuming. It is a remarkable example of Tibetan handicrafts, fully displaying the wisdom of the Tibetan people.

First, collect the raw materials. The major ingredients used to make Tibetan incense are cypress wood and other natural aromatic plants such as saffron and sandalwood.

Second, cut the cypress wood into rectangular blocks and soak them in water so that they can be ground more easily.

Third, wedge the cypress wood blocks onto the reciprocating rod of the waterwheel and grind them into pulp in the grinding pool.

Fourth, remove the coarse scraps from the wood pulp, mix and knead it with other aromatic ingredients to make the incense mud.

Fifth, use a cow horn with a drilled hole at the tip to extrude the incense mud by hand into long, thin strips or other shapes.

Sixth, dry the incense in the shade and then bundle it with thin threads.

The traditional way of making Tibetan incense is intricate.

What Are the Types of Tibetan Incense? From Long Sticks to Cones

Tibetan incense comes in several forms, each with unique characteristics. Here are some typical types:

The stick incense is the most traditional form and most frequently used incense in Buddhist rituals. This incense is long, slender, and can burn for a long period of time.

Incense cones are smaller and more compact than traditional stick incense. They burn more quickly and are often used for personal rituals or meditation.

The incense powder is often sprinkled onto hot embers or in incense burners. It is usually used in smaller-scale religious ceremonies.

The coil incense usually consists of two paired coils, which can burn for several hours.

Tibet incense cones

What Are the Most Renowned Traditional Tibetan Incenses?

In Tibet, there are top three traditional Tibetan incenses that are highly regarded for their high quality.

The most famous is the Mindrolling Monastery Tibetan incense, one of the six major monasteries of the Nyingma school of Buddhism. Tibetan people believe that the Mindrolling Monastery incense is the finest among all Tibetan incenses, and it was once designated as the exclusive Tibetan incense of the Dalai Lama.

The incense from Tunba Village of Nyemo County is also popular. Here, local Tibetans make the incense based on traditional recipes and also produce innovative ones using a wider variety of ingredients.

You Minba incense, originally produced in the Amdo region and later moved to Lhasa, is another renowned Tibetan incense. It is a brand passed on by the Yougecang family for over 340 years.

The Mindrolling Monastery Tibetan incense

Where to Buy Tibetan Incense on Your Tibet Tour?

Tibet is a place rich in incense traditions, where you can buy incense at many places on your Tibet tour.

The easiest way to buy Tibetan incense is from Tibetan temples and monasteries, either in their stores or online. Most of these places offer Tibetan incense for sale, each with its own unique recipe and aroma. The incense from monasteries and temples is considered most traditional and authentic.

In addition, you can also find local markets across Tibet that sell the incense. For example, in Barkhor Street, there is a wide range of Tibetan incense for you to choose from.

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Conclusion

Tibetan incense has a long history and is frequently used in Buddhist rituals and daily practices. It has become one of the most representative symbols of Tibetan spiritual culture.

If you are interested in Tibetan incense, travel with us and you’ll experience this sacred fragrance and explore its spiritual significance.