Least incensiest incense ever?

February 2, 2008 1:09 PM

What's that incense I've smelled at Zen centers and where can I find it?

When I've been in Korean Zen centers or meditation areas used by Zen practitioners, there's been incense on the altar that has a very subtle aroma. It's not terribly fragrant or remotely perfume-y. It's extremely mild. They're usually shorter sticks than your regular incense and I think they might be a Japanese brand.

I've googled around and found different kinds associated with meditation but I want to be sure I'm getting something not so aromatic that's it's distracting before I bite the bullet and buy. Brands, names, and links are awesome and appreciated. Thank you!

posted by sneakin to grab bag (11 comments total)

I know the kind you're referring too, and recall the packaging not being in English. There is a brand that Tibetan buddhists like that is a bit more pungent than the Zen buddhists use, but is still mild and ethereal smelling compared to some nasty stuff you might've smelled in a yoga studio or some place: Garuda
posted by Burhanistan at 1:20 PM on February 2

I don't know about Korean, but check out diagen koh rosewood incense. The first link in google is what my parents have used for the last 30 years. Every zen center I've ever been to used a similar scent.
posted by milarepa at 2:36 PM on February 2

My favorite brand of incense is Nippon Kodo. I'm not sure if they make the scent you're looking for, but they have a wide variety of scents, many of which are quite subtle. They were the first thing that popped into my mind when you described the shorter sticks.
posted by Metroid Baby at 3:38 PM on February 2

The SF Zen Center has a very nice incense. A very pure, empty smell.
posted by anadem at 4:00 PM on February 2

I should have added that the SF Zen center incense is available in their shop (and at Tassajara).
posted by anadem at 4:37 PM on February 2

um, have you tried maybe asking them what they are using?
posted by violetk at 5:36 PM on February 2

Nag Champa?
posted by puddinghead at 5:56 PM on February 2

The Japanese incense that I have experienced generally matches your scent and stick size specifications. There are two brands of Japanese incense that I am familiar with and would recommend: Shoyeido and Baieido. Unfortunately, in my experience, the more expensive stuff is generally better and it gets more expensive very quickly. The stuff that I prefer due to its subtlety uses aloeswood, which has a sweet, spicy, woody scent. Nothing floral or perfume-y.

You can use the links above to find retailers. Shoyeido produces a premium incense sampler that I recommend if you are looking to survey the full spectrum. It contains one stick each of about 15 of their better varieties, which should give you a sense of whether that is what you are after.

Sometimes the Japanese temple incense is made for a particular temple by a manufacturer like Shoyeido as an off-brand. It can be hard to find, unless the temple sells it.

Best of luck. It is possible to spend a lot of money searching for favorites.
posted by nobodyyouknow at 6:24 PM on February 2

Thanks all, particularly milarepa, anadem and nobodyyouknow! I suspect you all have lead me to my answers. I'm following up on your links now and I'm psyched to get my hands on the kind of incense I've been thinking about.

puddinghead: Unfortunately nag champa isn't the right stuff for me. I find it very fragrant and perfume-y to the point where it distracts me which is not what I want for meditation purposes. Although I don't mind it normally.

violetk: ...I mean, if I'd asked them in person I probably wouldn't be posting here...Right?
posted by sneakin at 6:42 PM on February 2

In my experience, zendo altar incense is almost always sandalwood.
posted by mendel at 7:49 PM on February 2

If it is a sandalwood based, very woody, almost campfire scent, then it may be Zimpu Ritual Tibetan Incense. It does not come on the wooden sticks, but is hand rolled by tibetan monks. I have searched high and low for it for years, only remembering the scent from years ago.

Zimpu is sandalwood based with 25-55 other ingredients, and very non-perfumey. In the past I have only found it in random places, but now you can google it online.

What I have now at home is produced by Sonam Lama, Kathmandu, Nepal.

The best incense in the world, in my opinion.
posted by Vaike at 11:04 AM on February 3