Rising Smoke Serenity

January 4, 2024

Living in a place with people devoted to Buddha, I've learned several meanings of lighting incense, both personal and religious. For nonbelievers, it's just like lighting candles when offering prayers to saints and God. For many Buddhists, it's a practice that carries deep meaning. A monastery is usually where one can witness how devoted Buddha believers are. I visited one on the last day of December, and it's where I took these photos.

Watching the smoke rise and waft through the air somehow gave me a sense of serenity. They say lighting incense can purify the environment and remove negative energies, both internal and external. I guess it's true. It's like you're being drawn into them, and you feel a sense of calmness deep within your soul. I paused for a while just to watch the smoke waft and fade in the air, and people lit incense, bowed heads, and offered prayers to Buddha and deities.

My bosses are devoted to Buddha, and I always see them lighting incense every day religiously. There wasn't a day that I didn't smell incense smoke in the house. Sometimes it's suffocating, but I've become accustomed to it. At some point, I understood why they did that. They religiously pray for good health and success. I've seen several series and even saw in real life how they use incense to help calm the mind and concentrate when meditating. I can claim its calming effect on the mind and body, especially the scented ones, and it can truly create a tranquil atmosphere.

Whatever the reasons why people light incense, I like the calming effect of watching smoke gracefully ascend and fade in the air. It's captivating and mesmerizing, and it makes me appreciate the beauty of the present moment.

(All photos are mine)

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