In this secluded kingdom, a secret incense formula believed to promote healing and happiness is known by only two people.
To this day, incense is still utilised as it has been for centuries, in one of two ways: powder or stick. The powdered version is the smokier of the two and is burned on hot embers in homes, monasteries and temples. It is used as both an offering to the gods and as a fumigant to cleanse sacred rooms and holy objects, placate malicious spirits, and eradicate negative energy. Incense sticks are similarly used to make offerings, but they are also burned for their therapeutic properties.
“The gentle release of scented smoke nourishes the mind and stimulates the senses,” said Nado, owner of Nado Poizokhang. The oldest and largest of its kind in the country, it produces sticks and powders that are sought-after in homes and monasteries across the Himalayan kingdom. “That brings about pleasure and, in turn, mental tranquillity. My own recipe for incense can do all that, but also free blocked energy and cure many kinds of sickness, too.”
Nado’s all-natural formula for good health and happiness remains a tightly guarded secret known only to him and his daughter, Lamdon. He explained that it is based on a widely known recipe from the Mindrolling Tibetan Bhuddist Monastery in India that is more than 350 years old.
I – Word Understanding
Embers – burning or glowing coal or wood
Monastery – a building where monks live
Fumigant – chemical that produces smoke/vapor to disinfect or purity an area
Placate – to make someone less angry
Malicious – having a desire to cause harm to someone
Eradicate – eliminate / remove
Therapeutic – can heal diseases
Tranquility – peace / calm
II – Have Your Say
1, When was the last time you used incense? Do you keep some in your house?
2, What are the different purposes of burning incense in your country? What occasions do you need it?
3, In Bhutan, burning incense twice a day is a way of life that they believe leads to wellbeing and happiness. What is your version of this? How do you keep your wellbeing and happiness?
4, Ingredients of incense in Bhutan include tree barks, spices, flowers and leaves, believed to have healing powers. In your country, what plants are believed to have therapeutic properties and how are they being used?
