This ritual draws inspiration from the sang and lhasang traditions of the Himalayan region, in which incense is offered outdoors to the wind, light, and natural forces. Its structure also reflects influences from older Central Asian smoke-offering practices. The ritual does not bind the practitioner to any specific religious tradition; instead, it follows a traditional form in which the person, nature, and the movement of incense smoke form a unified whole.
1. Choosing a place and preparing
Incense was traditionally burned outdoors, in a place where wind and air can move freely. Choose a rock, a spot near the shoreline, a meadow, or a forest clearing. What matters most is that the location is peaceful.
Place the incense burner firmly on the ground. Prepare the incense you wish to use. In Himalayan practice, cleansing plants, resins, and finely ground herbal mixtures are commonly used. It is not necessary to follow an exact traditional recipe — simple incense made from natural materials is sufficient.
Stand still for a moment and sense the surrounding nature. Feel its presence. Complete silence is not essential, as in these traditions the sounds of wind and nature are part of the whole.
2. Lighting the incense
Light the charcoal on a heat-resistant surface. Once the charcoal is glowing evenly, add the incense granules on top. Wait until the smoke begins to rise steadily.
Observe the first movements of the smoke for a moment.
Softly say: “I offer this smoke to the forces of nature.”
3. Acknowledging the four directions
Honouring the cardinal directions is an old element of the sang tradition. It is a way of recognising their qualities and one’s position among them. Turn slowly towards each direction. You may keep the incense burner on the ground or lift it gently.
- East: the direction of beginnings, breath, and dawn
- South: the direction of transformative energy and warmth
- West: the direction of emotion, water, and movement
- North: the direction of stability and the grounding quality of earth
Turn to each direction in turn. Lift the incense slightly or stand beside it and quietly say: “I offer this smoke to the (east, south, etc.).” Continue to the next direction calmly.
4. Offering the smoke to the natural forces
Lift the incense burner lightly so the smoke can rise freely. At this stage, the focus shifts to the relationship between the smoke and the natural world. In the Himalayan sang tradition, incense is part of the wider cycle of nature: its smoke returns to the same world from which its plants and resins originated.
Softly say: “I offer this smoke to the wind, the light, the water, and the earth.” Naming these four natural forces connects the ritual with the surrounding environment.
- The wind carries the smoke forward.
- Light represents the open space in which the smoke becomes visible and in which the ritual unfolds.
- Water symbolises the continuous cycle of nature.
- Earth is the ground that supports the ritual and from which the incense materials originate.
Allow the smoke to rise in its own rhythm. Do not guide its movement. The smoke shows that the ritual takes place on nature’s terms. This phase focuses on observing the relationship between the smoke and the environment. The idea is that incense returns to the world from which its materials came. The smoke moves with the wind and air in its own direction.
The emphasis in this stage is on recognising that the purpose of the ritual is not to direct nature but to act alongside it. Following the smoke trains the mind to remain present in a situation where the outcome is not controlled by the practitioner.
5. Centring awareness
When the smoke has risen and its movement has settled, the ritual shifts to an inner phase. Here the attention moves to one’s own state of mind.
Sit or stand near the incense burner. Choose a stable, relaxed posture without unnecessary tension. The aim is not to seek a specific spiritual experience but to be clearly and simply present in the moment.
Focus on three qualities that support mental calm:
- Clarity – a precise, alert awareness of what is happening right now
- Steadiness – attention that remains without force or constant evaluation
- Gentleness – a simple, calm attitude toward oneself and the surroundings
These qualities are held in mind while breathing naturally. They are not spoken aloud and no visualisations are used. The intention is to let the mind settle so that awareness remains clear throughout the ritual.
6. Observing the movement of the smoke
Follow the movement of the smoke calmly. It may rise straight upward or drift with the wind. The purpose here is to allow attention to settle on the smoke’s movement without needing to change anything. Watching the smoke helps the mind become steady and keeps the focus within the ritual.
Continue as long as it feels natural.
If the smoke fades or stops, remain calm for a moment. There is no need to correct it immediately. Let your attention rest where the smoke ended, then continue with the same gentle attitude.
If you wish to continue burning incense, add a small amount onto the glowing charcoal or light a new charcoal if the old one is nearly out. The intention is not to maintain smoke by force but to follow the natural rhythm of the ritual.
7. Completion
The ritual ends when the final phase is complete. No special gesture or phrase is required. Allow the incense and charcoal to burn out at their own pace, as long as the surface is safe.
This ritual draws from the following traditions and practices:
- Tibetan sang rituals (also known as sang-sol)
- Smoke-offering practices of the Bön tradition
- Smoke rituals known throughout Central Asia
- Himalayan ritual objects used particularly in outdoor settings and in observing the movement of smoke
These influences are united by the understanding that smoke moves naturally as part of the environment. The smoke returns to the world from which the plants and resins originated. In the ritual, the practitioner observes its movement and recognises its connection to the rhythm of nature.
