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Friends, in continuation with my articles about hidden secrets, I thought it is nice to share some secrets about Fragrance.

Fragrance is another age old science of religions. Fragrances over the centuries have played distinct role in creating cordial environment for the Inner growth. Fragrance in temples using natural flowers were mainly towards keeping air clean and make you more closer to natural environment. In nature you are always close to god and godliness. If you visit Indian temples then there is one distinct smell which you can smell and that is of Camphor. Camphor has deeper science of smell and healing to it. Camphor on the other hand not only used to create distinct smell which is associated with third eye or Agya chakra. But also used as air cleaner. Olden day’s temples never used to have light for deities. The only moment you could get a glimpse of deities is when Camphor was lighted and used as an offering (Aarthi!) to god. All you had was moment of time to get glimpse of God and this moment used to be associated with Camphor light and smell.

Camphor light and smell as I already mentioned had distinct association with third eye. Even in houses it is used as Light prayer to Deities. Third eye is known to be associated with Intention and will. And while praying if your intention is strong and focused in awareness there is good chance that they come true. While Camphor helped instant attention, mystics found that it is difficult to sustain the smell of the camphor for a long time as it smells well when it is lit. So they added another ingredient in India which could potentially complement Camphor. Sandalwood Tilak on third eye spot during prayers is mainly to help you sustain the awareness. It has been a tradition that you are provided with Sandalwood paste on a lighting tray so that you take smell and blessings from the fire and immediately go on to apply paste on your third eye. This way you could sustain awareness for a long time. Sandalwood smell has huge healing properties as the paste.Similarly Incense sticks served the same purpose. Any fragrance which is close to natural environment create serene atmosphere. Now people use chemicals on incense sticks which create more irritation for you but if you stick natural incense sticks then effects are very beneficial.

Similarly in Mosques ; Lobhan is used regularly while praying. Across the globe traditionally Muslims used to carry three things along with them- Piece of cloth, cap and Lobhan. These three were essential companions so that they can pray wherever they are at certain times of the day. Piece of cloth helped as energy center as everyday the same piece of cloth was used as prayer mat, Cap served as energy Anti-dissipater because energy dissipates mostly from hands and head. Caps across the religion was used to preserve energy while praying however Lobhan the fragrant burning stick is the one which creates prayer atmosphere wherever you are. Lobhan smell can immediately take you to Awareness and “Allah” sound resonates beautifully with Lobhan. Infact Sufis say at the deepest of Allah sound you can smell Lobhan.

Western incense is still used in churches today and comes almost exclusively from the gum resins in tree bark. The sticky gum on the family Christmas tree is just such a resin, and its wonderful scent evokes the holidays. It is not accidental while celebrating Christ you celebrated Christmas tree equally well. Relaxedness is preliminary ground requirement for Godliness.

Other than just these religions fragrance has played much more significance in daily lives. Indian women tend to wear fresh flowers on their head while welcoming back husband to home at the end of the day. Jasmine flowers are proven aphrodisiacs and the same find prominent place in first night of the wedding. Similarly yellow flowers and roses have played significant role in romantic situations.

In Chinese tradition fragrances are sued to attract Luck, In African traditions fragrance is used to ward off Demons. That perfume originated from incense shows in the word itself; per and fumum mean through and smoke in Latin. Lebanon word actually comes from local word root incense. Fragrances which are used in Egyptian mummies have been the cause of the preservation of the body. All religious festivals across the globe have been associated with special fragrances specially made for the occasion

Now to the most important part, it is important you identify a perfume which goes with you. The easy way to do it is you have to go to close to nature. It takes sometime to identify your perfume. Identify flower, fruit or any other natural element which gives natural relaxation. For example if eating a fruit uplifts you then flavor of that perfume may go well with you. If you close your eyes and think of your happy moments then there is a good chance you associate the same with a perfume. Aromatherapy is deep science itself. Starting your day with your perfumed bath and ending your day with a perfumed bath is good way of building positive energy. Getting a perfume or incense stick which makes you relax is best way to practice meditation. Once you identify your perfume, use it for creative purposes. Meditators across the world use fragrance a tool to aid their inner growth.

On a parting note my favorite fragrance is from a flower called Epiphyllum oxypetalum and It actually blossoms once a year, very usually at the exact time of midnight, which makes it very difficult to observe, and thus became part of malay lore and legend.

Love dear ones

Suresh