Incense - twig of the sacred bodhi tree

Incense - a twig of the sacred bodhi tree

Bodhi tree or temple fig (Ficus religiosa), also asvattha, pipal, tree of enlightenment and holy fig - is a long-lived, summer-green tree that belongs to the family of mulberry plants (Moraceae) and the genus of figs (Ficus). The Bodhi tree derives its name from the Sanskrit and Pali words "bodhi", meaning "awakening" or "higher knowledge". Bodhi tree twig pieces are about 70mm x 6mm in size. Sold by the piece.

Symbol meaning

The sacred bodhi tree is believed to have grown on the site of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India. According to Buddhist mythology, Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) attained enlightenment (nirvana) after meditating for seven weeks (49 days) under the bodhi tree. Hindus, on the other hand, associate the bodhi tree with women's fertility and believe that the god Vishnu was born at the base of the tree. In Lamaism and Buddhist Tantra (Vajrayāna), the bodhi tree is associated with cremation. The Bodhi tree is seen as a symbol of an individual's journey to infinity. From a small and hard seed grows a tree that is open and free to everything, in the same way as a human mind and heart should grow. The Bodhi tree is rooted deep in the earth just as we ourselves are rooted in matter, but its branches rise towards the sky. The Bodhi tree symbolizes ageless wisdom, fertility, meditation, enlightenment and protection.

Frankincense is an aromatic substance that, when burned, spreads a good scent to its surroundings. The word "incense" refers to the smoke as well as the burning substance itself. Originally, the purpose of burning incense was to establish a connection with the spirit world, to purify persons and spaces, and to express gratitude and respect. They were also used to dispel unpleasant odors and to protect and ward off evil spirits.

In several countries of the Far East, e.g. In India, China and Japan, incense is used in sacred religious rituals, at temple entrances, in front of deities on altars, or burned at home, for example on the doorstep or on a small home altar. Incense is used to show respect to important spirit beings and deities

Ritual use

• Cleansing : Incenses not only clean the physical environment but also dispel negative energy. Their gentle smoke can help clear away darkness and obstacles and make room for new growth. - For example, carefully take the censer in your hand and spread the smoke around you. You can do this by moving the smoke slowly and deliberately around your body, starting at the head area and working your way down. You can also diffuse the smoke in the room or space you are in to purify it.
• Connection : Incense smoke reaches up toward the sky, creating a symbolic bridge to the spirit world, divinity, and higher dimensions. The intoxicating smell of incense carries your requests and intentions to the heights. - For example, before burning incense, set an intention about what kind of connection you want to create. Breathe deeply and calmly, let the mind quiet down, and as the incense smokes you can imagine how the smoke lifts your thoughts and intentions towards heaven. Make room for possible intuitive messages and insights.
• Sacrifice : Sacrifice of the old self in terms of limiting beliefs and things that hinder development. - For example, before burning incense, set an intention about what you want to achieve with the sacrifice. You can think of traits, behaviors, or burdens of the old self that you want to release. Light the incense and focus on the emotions you want to release. You can imagine how the rising smoke symbolizes these feelings or traits. You can also say out loud the feelings or thoughts you want to release.

Other uses

• Life changes: Incenses have been part of various life change rituals. They symbolize the transition from one state to another and help us embrace the power of change
• Calming and increasing awareness: The scent of incense wafts around you, creating a calming atmosphere. This magical atmosphere invites you to a world of meditation and spiritual concentration.
• Intuition and wisdom: The smell of incense awakens intuitive awareness and helps to open a connection with the inner wisdom that lies within all of us.
• Gratitude and Respect: Incense can be a gesture of gratitude and respect, whether directed at higher powers, ancestors, or the sacredness of nature.
• Sensual experience: The scent of incense awakens the senses and increases sensual pleasure. It can also open the gate to ceremonies and rituals that celebrate the world of the senses.

If you want more information about rituals and their purpose, participate in Semiphoras online courses or book an appointment for personal guidance.

This is how you burn incense

Bodhi tree is used like incense. Incense is lit from the end of a bodhi stick. Once the incense is lit, let the flame burn for a few seconds and then blow out the flame. The tip of the incense now glows orange-red and releases plenty of fragrant, sweet smoke. Place the bodhi stick upright (or slightly tilted) in an incense holder or alternatively in a container filled with sand/fine sea salt. Make sure that the ashes of the incense fall directly into the container. Since incense releases smoke when it burns, you must ensure that there is sufficient replacement air. We recommend using incense near an open window or balcony door. In this case, the smoke of the incense mixes with the fresh outdoor air and the scent is more prominent. You can also burn incense outdoors. Let the bodhi tree burn for as long as you like. The easiest way to extinguish a burning stick is to tamp the burning tip on the edge of a container or in sand, for example.

Note! Semiphoras sacred bodhi tree incense is cut from branches that have naturally fallen to the ground. Living temple fig trees have not been damaged or felled while collecting branches. When using the product, pay attention to fire safety. Act like an open fire. So don't leave burning incense unattended. The glowing tip of burning incense is very hot. Make sure that the smoke can rise freely and that there is nothing flammable near the burning incense, for example curtains or textiles. Also make sure that the incense holder/container is on a heat-resistant surface. Not for children.