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Incense for meditation
Incense has accompanied meditation since long before the word mindfulness existed. In Buddhist and Hindu practice it serves two very specific functions: marking the start of the session — the smell tells the body that something else is beginning — and acting as a clock, because a stick lasts roughly as long as a sitting.
The aromas of meditation
- Sandalwood. The classic. Creamy, warm and persistent without being invasive: the least distracting of them all. See sandalwood incense.
- Nag champa. Sandalwood with champa flower and resins. Sweeter and more enveloping; the most recognisable in the world. See Nag Champa incense.
- Frankincense. Resinous and deep. This is the incense of temples, and the one that works best if you want a serious atmosphere with no sweetness.
- Practice formulas. Zen Meditation, Reiki, Spiritual Balance and Buddha Blessing are blends already oriented towards a session — useful if you would rather not choose an aroma every day.
- Chakras. For work by energy centre, the 7 chakras bundle and incense bombs cover the full range.
How to build it into a session
Light it a few minutes before you sit, not right as you start: the first phase of burning is the most intense, and what you want is the aroma already settled. Place it behind you or to one side, never in front, so the thread of smoke stays out of your field of vision.
A 30–45 minute stick comfortably covers a normal sitting. If your practice runs 10 or 15 minutes, cut the stick in half before lighting it: it will last exactly long enough, and you will not leave incense burning in an empty room.
For yoga and for concentrated work
In a yoga room, ventilation is what matters: plenty of movement and deep breathing call for a discreet aroma, so half a sandalwood stick before you start is enough. For studying or concentrating, woody and resinous aromas work better than sweet ones, which tire you out over a long session.
The rest of the range is in spiritual incense. To get started, read how to meditate with incense step by step and how to create a meditation space at home.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best incense for meditation?
Sandalwood, because it is persistent without being invasive, and nag champa if you prefer something sweeter. For a deeper atmosphere with no sweetness, frankincense.
Where should I put the incense during meditation?
Behind you or to one side, on a stable holder and far enough away. In front of you, the thread of smoke enters your field of vision and distracts.
Do I light it before or as I start?
A few minutes before. The first minutes of burning are the most intense, and the aroma should already be settled by the time you sit down.
Does the same incense work for yoga?
Yes, but use less. Yoga practice involves more movement and deep breathing, so half a stick and good ventilation work better than a whole one.
And for studying or concentrating?
Woody and resinous aromas — sandalwood, frankincense, cedar — hold up better over long sessions. Sweet aromas are pleasant at first but tire you out sooner.
Keep exploring
The two reference scents have their own collections: sandalwood incense and Nag Champa incense. The rest of the range is in spiritual incense. To get started, read how to meditate with incense step by step and how to create a meditation space at home.