I’m always amazed at the moods, seasons, plants and flowers that Asian incense can evoke — considering the basic building blocks of most Japanese, Chinese and Korean incense are few (benzoin, frankincense, aloes wood, sandalwood, clove, cinnamon). Jing Kwan (Clear Gaze) incense from Korea is made from all-natural ingredients and contains frankincense, aloes wood, sandalwood and some “secret” spices.
Jing Kwan was formulated by Zen (or “Son” in Korean) monks for use in temples. It was created to aid meditation by calming mental or physical distress. Korean incense, and Buddhism, made their way into Japan in the sixth century, and the aromas and formulations of Korean and Japanese incense are similar, with the focus on sweet, powdery woods and spices.
To me, Jing Kwan incense smells autumnal. When I burn this incense, I smell the sweetness of dried plums, mild resins and smoldering leaves. Jing Kwan is a gentle incense. The thin sticks burn slowly (over 50 minutes) and release very little smoke. You could burn this incense in a small space and not be overwhelmed. It is a perfect incense for meditation; it does not distract from peaceful contemplation, it merely “whispers” encouragement.
Incense has been used for centuries to perfume clothing. I store my winter scarves and gloves with my incense in a small Chinese leather-and-wood trunk. If I had the wherewithal to hire a perfumer to create a fragrance for me, I would smell just like my incense trunk.
Jing Kwan incense comes in a variety of package sizes and prices and is available at healingplaza, isabellacatalog, holymtn, ecclecstacy, exquisitecrystals and incenseguru.
Note: image via japanese-incense.
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Sounds extremely interesting Kevin. Must admit that I have never tried any Korean incense before, always the Japanese. I will have to try it.
Oooh, this another new brand I've never heard of that sounds great! Just glancing it looks like it's very reasonably priced, too. I need to poke around and see if I can find it locally – is there any spot around Seattle you've found it, or did you have to order it?
I will most definitely try it. I was offered a box of incense from Korea that smells delicious; it's called Chui-Woon-Myong-Hyang.
PB: Most Korean incense I've tried has been subtle and delicate…I think you'll like it. K
Katiedid: I bought this either at the Ummelina Day Spa downtown or Uwajimaya in the Intl. District…can't remember! K
Ah…Jade Cloud! Does it come in a red box with gold letters? It is a favorite of mine and I plan on reviewing it this fall (it has lots of interesting ingredients: figwort being one. K
Ahhhh, just in time for fall.
R — quick note to let you know I've changed my address from yellingfireinacrowdedtheater to triticumturgidum.
cheers,
K
Thanks K, I'll change my links. Love the Katrina pictures!
No, it comes in a pine box with a green/beige material and gold characters.
You can find more information about their offerings here:
http://www.cwh.co.kr/
Do you know Korean and/or do you study Buddhism?
SS: thanks for the link; I have not tried that incense. Unfortunately I don't speak Korean, but I have studied Buddhism for a long time and have been giving tours at the Seattle Asian Art Museum on Buddhist art. My interest in Buddhism began thru literature — when I was introduced to Zen poetry and Death poems. K
Kevin, You're welcome. My husband studies Chinese Zen buddhism (Chan).
We'll definitely have to try this for our incense guide. Definitely have to find some Jing Kwan.