Taoism and Incense | Only Scents Create Myths

Above the Nine Heavens, only the Dao is supreme, and among myriad practices, burning incense takes precedence. The similarity between scent and spirit can be grasped from the implied meanings of words. Both are hidden and concealed, with scents rising from deep within the body as if escaping from its physical shell, much like the soul. Moreover, the sense of smell represents a close connection to emotions; we speak of "harmony in scent," which not only refers to the pain and joy provoked by scents in intimate relationships but also serves as the medium through which all religious devotees establish sacred emotional ties and communication with the divine.

In Taoism, incense acts as a medium between humans and deities, aiding practitioners in achieving communication with the spiritual realm. The fragrance is seen as a vehicle that can convey prayers and wishes to the gods. Simultaneously, Taoists use incense to purify spaces, dispelling negative energies and impurities, maintaining environmental cleanliness to achieve harmonious magnetic fields.

In ancient Chinese Taoism, approximately ten types of incense were used: Returning Wind Incense, Seven-Colored Incense, Counterwind Incense, Heavenly Treasure Incense, Nine Harmony Incense, Reversing Life Incense, Celestial Incense, True Incense, Hundred Harmony Incense, and Trust Spirit Incense. The "Incense Invocation" reads: "The Dao is studied through the heart, the heart uses incense as its messenger. Incense burns in the jade furnace, the heart resides before the Emperor. True spirits look down with favor, celestial banners approach the pavilion. Let my petition be known, reaching directly to the Nine Heavens."