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Mystic Mountain Incense
We are delighted to
introduce this Mystic Mountain Incense. Each package
holds TWELVE precious sticks of the purest incense
available anywhere.
Rokubei Moritsune
Hata first crafted this incense in 1705. It has been produced with respect to
the environment, ecologically gathered and harvested. He learned these secrets
while working at the Palace in Kyoto, Japan. Centuries-old blending secrets have
been passed down through twelve generations of the Hata family, who continue to
produce this incense today.
Our incense is highly
valued for rarity, subtlety and delicacy. From Peter Ragnar’s experience, it is
the perfect scent to deepen your meditations. This is authentic,
priceless Frankincense, not perfumed wood.
Falling leave, ribbons of
smoke
Memories waking from sleep
I
walk breathing deeply
Silk strings of time
Eternities blending scents with
mine
Bringing tears to eyes
Not knowing Autumn’s touch so kind
Sitting
listening to incense burn
Teaching everything I need to learn
My Dear
Friend,
The fog banks are drifting off Mystic Mountain. The damp
leaves exude strange new scents. Suddenly it is fall. While the riotous colors
shout brashly, I walk sleepily with my canine detective. Like a vacuum cleaner,
Bodhi moves methodically, inhaling each new odor. I wonder if these scents
resurrect long-buried memories for him.
The smell of burning leaves,
fresh-pressed apple juice, and chimney smoke are like having the keys to the
video shop of your life.
Scents are
memories. Scents are also healers of body and mind. As I walk, zipping up my
jacket, the roadside lavender and bergamot have gone through their seasonal
metamorphosis. When inhaled, their rich resinous essence increases the
production of white blood cells. The immune system is strongly bolstered. Talk
about medicine! Strangely, the sagacious minds of spiritual masters in both
ancient China and Japan used incense as medicine.
Incense sticks were used in the herbal medicine trade of Chinese
medicine as far back as 659 AD.
Later they were imported to Japan. It was well understood
by the Taoist immortals that to heal the body one must first heal the mind. So,
the first incense sticks were used in Ch’an (Zen meditation) in China. Then
burning incense became a regular part of Zazen (sitting meditation) in Zen
practice.
Why was this so
popular?
The masters recognized the value of incense as both a
psychotropic aid in meditation and as a vehicle to alter ones psychological
state. However, the incense used was not the cheap perfumed sticks commonly
found for sale in your local mall or Wal-Mart.
The difference in what is called
“incense” and what actually is incense is much like the differences among
wine.
The judicious attention a sommelier (wine steward) or
that a viticulturist would apply to choosing the most venerable vintage would
not be the same discernment made by one who drinks Mad Dog Red. When taste
doesn’t dictate taking the bottle out of the brown paper bag before drinking, no
discussion of intensity, quality, and the character of Chardonnay or the dryness
of Sauvignon Blanc need ensue.
Consider for a moment that it
takes at least 15 years to master the Japanese tea
ceremony.
However, to become a master of Kodo, mastering the art of
incense, it takes an average of 30 years. And how discerning is the Kodo master
when choosing incense? Well, you can just begin to imagine.
Personally, I’ve burned incense
that has cost hundreds of dollars for just a few
sticks.
And I’ve settled on a particular blend that goes back to
1705 when Rokubei Moritsune Hata first crafted it while working at the palace in
Kyoto, Japan. The strong presence of the aromatic resin of frankincense is
priceless.
In the October 1998 issue of the
Smithsonian magazine…
there was an article about archaeologist Juris Zarin’s
search for a lost civilization near Ubar in Yemen. At one time there people
controlled the frankincense trade. Dr. Zarin states that frankincense was “the
most precious commodity in the world 4000 years ago.”
Yes, even more valuable than
gold! Why? Because of its unique spiritual properties.
This is why I use Mystic Mountain Incense. Just listen to
the incense burn and then you’ll have the same smile on your face as I do this
very moment. A spiritual fragrance fills the air as my tea cup awaits my
caress.
May you also be warmed by the fire in my heart, and may
your meditations deepen.
Love, Peter
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