Incense in Eastern religions-used to set a mood for worship, as an offering to a deity, ...?

Question

Which? For both reasons or another reason? Why exactly are incense used by Buddhists, Hindus, Shinto, etc.

Answer 1

They are not the only ones. Many Christian denominations use incense. It is an offering and a way to show honor to God.

Answer 2

Incense has been used for centuries, in many religions for a varity of reasons: "incense, perfume diffused by the burning of aromatic gums or spices. Incense was used in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome and is mentioned in the Old and the New Testaments. It is also found in the major religions of Asia. The Babylonians used it while praying in the 6th and 5th cent. B.C. and the Greeks used it as protection against demons during the 8th cent. B.C. The earliest clear record of its use in public worship in the Roman Catholic Church is c.500."(1)

Re: incense in Christianity: "Incense
(Lat. thus, Gr. thumiama), an aromatic substance which is obtained from certain resinous trees and largely employed for purposes of religious worship. The word is also used to signify the smoke or perfume arising from incense when burned.

When, exactly, incense was introduced into the religious services of the Church it is not easy to say. During the first four centuries there is no evidence for its use. Still, its common employment in the Temple and the references to it in the New Testament (cf. Luke, i, 10; Apoc., viii, 3-5) would suggest an early familiarity with it in Christian worship. The earliest authentic reference to its use in the service of the Church is found in Pseudo-Dionysius ("De Hier. Ecc.", III, 2). The Liturgies of Sts. James and Mark -- which in their present form are not older than the fifth century -- refer to its use at the Sacred Mysteries..." (2)

Growing up Catholic, I liked the smell of incense, 'til I developed allergies.

Answer 3

I, and some friends, use incense during zazen (sitting practice) because the smell brings an awareness to the nose. This kinda helps bring an awareness of the breathing going through the nose.

The fragrance is also relaxing.

Answer 4

Incense was also offered up to God in the Temple. \

I think its sort of like "aroma therapy" Certain smells change our moods... It may have been offered up to God to try to make Him happy. Lev 2:9 He shall take out the memorial portion from the grain offering and burn it on the altar as an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD.

Answer 5

What say you and me light up some incense and meditate together?

Answer 6

I light up incense everytime I light up a blunt.

Answer 7

I thought it was just for the calming effects during meditation. I don't know though. I don't worship anything.