Our Journal
Top 10 Incense Sticks to Burn in Spring
The fragrances of springtime have inspired incense makers for generations and these evocative floral scents can be found in both modern and traditional incenses. A lot of Japanese incense especially takes influence from Spring with many Japanese incense makers using the sakura cherry blossom tree as inspiration. Incenses evocative of spring are often fresh, delicate and floral. Here are out top 10 incense sticks for spring: 1. Pearl | Karin Les Encens du Monde Pearl emits flowery, delicate accents of tuberose riding a unique background of sandalwood accompanied by the fresh marine-like scent of coumarin. The floral sweetness of Pearl makes it one of our...
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 are simply another name for incense sticks. They are slender sticks made from fragrant materials such as woods, resins, herbs and floral oils that release aroma when burned. The term “joss stick” is commonly used in Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures, while “incense stick” is the more widely used term in Western countries. Despite the different names, they refer to the same traditional aromatic sticks used for meditation, spiritual practice and creating a pleasant atmosphere. Best Joss Sticks to Try If you're new to joss sticks, here are some popular traditional incense sticks to...
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,...
