Does it help to burn incense while meditating?

I was just wondering, because a lot of my friends say it helps clear your mind a bit more.

 

Probably not, I think it'll just distract you.

If it works for your friend, then brilliant for her, it definately won't work for everyone.

Blessings

Sebbi

 

for some people (like, of certain religions) incense is used during meditation to attract a certain god.

i sometimes use it, but mostly for the purpose of putting myself into "that state of mind." same with the way i position my hands while meditating - if i do it while i´m in class or something, i notice that i focus on my breath more and start to pay close attention to what´s going on. so with incense, when i smell it while meditating, it´s kinda like a cue that can help me to slip into a certain mental state. so, give it a try and then try it without - see what works best for you.

 

i know in korea incense is used in stuff like that, as well as at funerals. My friend from korea brought some from home and let me have a few sticks. Its definately better when its authentic.

 

yeah i usually use insense, as i feel it helps to create a great aroma. But i dont use it when i meditate before bed, because i find it hard to sleep.
peace Vibes.

 

i think it will help you when you think that it helps. Incense make a really good atmosphere so i think you should try

 

I don't use incense, but I do use a lot of oils. Certain oils can create certain atmospheres, so it depends what you're meditating for. If you want help yourself relax and feel peaceful, scents like lavendar or vanilla (if you're like me and hate lavendar) are known to relax the brain and part of the body. Citris scents can help rejuvante...there's all kinds. Experiment what's right for you. But yes I use oil instead of incense..the smoke from incense tends to bother my asthma, especially with such deep breathing.

 

The only thing it'll do for you is make the right atmosphere, make it seem more traditional. It's really a placebo, but as such it could help enchance your meditation. In reality, all you need is your mind.

 

well
it gives me a sore throat.
It partly depends on what energy you give it. Like Syntax said, the placebo effect is great--if you see it as a sacred practice that has been passed down traditionally through hundreds and hundreds of years, and it brings you peace or a mood of loving kindness, then yes, use it as training wheels. If you see it as this smoky, musty stuff that your friend thinks helps to clear the mind, and you get frustrated when you can't find the matches... maybe you should pass
get my drift?

 

It depends what works best for you. A certain smell might distract you, and another smell might help you relax....just try different scents and see what works. I really like Nag Champa from India.

 

yeah i agree completley with white ginger right on !

 

i've never used incense while meditating but i do spray some essential oils like lavender and sandalwood. i feel like it helps make me more calm. sometimes before i get into some poses i'll use this peppermint, rosemary and thyme lotion to awaken my senses. i think it's the best thing ever! i sit down and kinda meditate with the lotion on my hands and put my hands over my mouth and nose and take deep breaths. eucalyptus works really good too.

 

I burn 1 stick of incense every day and I usually meditate while its burning because I find it helps me relax.

 

100% agreement. If it helps you it's good. If not, give it a miss!

 

A modern Zen saying goes "Incense may smell good to the nose, but to meditation and enlightenment, they stink!" Always thought that was kinda funny.

 

are you doing shamanic rituals? or rituals in common? then incense is very helpful. if you just want to sit silently, don´t burn incense. according to my experience you will get distracted if the smell is very intensive...

 

sure if you are in a well ventilated place

 

definately, especially the incense from the sai baba ashram in south india. that is the most amazing incense i have ever smelled.

 

i agree with flowersinmyhair, im the same way, certain incense is better for meditating. I use light, airy floral insence when i meditate. it helps sooth me.