Our Journal
New Arrivals: Japanese Incense by Gyokushodo & Tennendo
This season we are excited to be introducing two new Japanese incense houses to Lotus Zen – Gyokushodo and Tennendo. Both brands make traditional and modern incense using high quality aloeswood, sandalwood, spices and florals.
Are Joss Sticks The Same as Incense Sticks?
What Are Joss Sticks? Joss sticks and incense sticks are the same thing! They are both slender sticks made of fragrant materials, such as woods, florals, resins and other aromatics that are burned to release a pleasant aroma. The term 'joss stick' is often used in Asian cultures, particularly in Chinese and Vietnamese traditions, while 'incense stick' is a more general term used in Western cultures. The History of Joss Sticks The history of joss sticks can be traced back to ancient times in various cultures around the world. In China, The use of incense in China dates back to the Shang...
A Listening Meditation by Alan Watts
Alan Watt's believed meditation is 'the discovery that the point of life is always arrived at in the immediate moment'. For Watts, one of the easiest ways to enter the meditative state is to start by listening to the sounds around us. All the senses offer a way to become grounded in the present moment, but Watts thought sound to be the easiest and often used listening as a meditative exercise...
Using Incense for Spirituality
Incense and Spirituality Incense has been used for spiritual purposes for thousands of years in many different cultures and religions around the world. Here are some ways that incense is used in spirituality: 1. Meditation Incense is often used during meditation to help create a calming and peaceful atmosphere. The fragrance of the incense can help to focus the mind and deepen the meditative experience. Different fragrances can have different effects on the mind and body, so it's important to choose an incense that resonates with you and helps you to focus. Some popular incense fragrances for meditation include sandalwood,...
New Arrivals: Ume, Horin & Temple of Incense
Ume, Horin & Temple of Incense This season we're excited to be introducing new incense from Ume, Shoyeido and Temple of Incense. Just last month, we expanded our Temple of Incense range, adding six new fragrances ranging from floral, fruity, citrus and spiced. Incense from this range use all-natural, vegan and sustainably sourced ingredients. If you're looking for high quality Indian incense, you can't get much better than these! Earlier this season, we introduced Ume's premium incense sticks. These specialist Japanese style sticks are inspired by the ancient art of incense making and blended with refined plant material, sacred resins, medicinal herbs & precious...
