Materials: Sandalwood. Exclusive Tibetan formula

Size: Five layers. 8.5 cm

Description:

In the context of Tibetan Buddhism, the term "incense tower" is not a traditional Tibetan Buddhist term, and no such objects or concepts are explicitly mentioned in classical texts or rituals. Based on your search results, particularly information from Shenghong Wenchuang (Shenghong Wenchuang), incense towers are primarily described as offerings used to celebrate the birthdays of deities and fulfill vows, often used in temples or homes to express respect and gratitude. However, this usage is more closely aligned with the religious practices of Han Buddhism or folk beliefs, rather than the core traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Therefore, the following article will analyze the possible influence, status, usage, and origins of "incense" and "tower" within the context of Tibetan Buddhism, combining understandings of both "incense" and "tower" to clarify their connection to Tibetan Buddhism.

The Influence and Status of Incense Stupas in Tibetan Buddhism

1. **The Role of Incense in Tibetan Buddhism**:

- In Tibetan Buddhism, incense (Tibetan: bsang) is a crucial offering, used to purify the environment, appease the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma protectors, and symbolizes devotion and purity. Common forms of incense offering include burning Tibetan incense sticks (such as sandalwood or herbal incense sticks) or performing bsang mchod (sang smoke offering), a ritual in which incense (such as juniper and cypress) is burned to offer to the Three Jewels of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, as well as local deities.

- Sang smoke offerings hold profound cultural and religious significance in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in the Nyingma and Bon traditions, where they are often used for blessing, purifying karmic obstacles, and communicating with natural spirits. This practice of offering incense stems from the fusion of Indian Buddhism and the indigenous Tibetan Bon religion, demonstrating Tibetan Buddhism's integration with local cultures.

2. **The Symbolism of "Stupa" in Tibetan Buddhism**:

- "Stupa" (Tibetan: mchod rten, meaning "base of offerings") in Tibetan Buddhism refers to a stupa (such as the stupa at Samye Monastery or a small stupa), symbolizing the Buddha's body, speech, and mind, and is an important sacred object. Stupas are often used for offerings, pilgrimage, or circumambulation to accumulate merit.

- If "incense stupa" is interpreted as a combination of incense and stupa, it may be that incense is placed in a stupa-shaped container for offering. However, this form is not clearly recorded in Tibetan Buddhist classics (such as the Kangyur or Tengyur), and may be more closely related to modern folk beliefs or a product of Sino-Tibetan religious fusion.

3. **Influence and Status**:

- In Tibetan Buddhism, incense and stupas each have their own important status, but the "incense stupa" as a specific object has not yet had a significant impact on traditional Tibetan Buddhist rituals or teachings. Compared to core Tibetan Buddhist practices (such as the five major treatises of exoteric Buddhism, the four tantras of esoteric Buddhism, or the system of reincarnation of living Buddhas), incense towers hold a relatively marginal position, likely belonging to a local or folk offering.

- If considered an extension of incense offerings, incense towers primarily influence daily offerings and prayers, particularly in Tibetan monasteries and homes, where they are used to express devotion and gratitude. However, compared to esoteric Tibetan Buddhist practices (such as Mahamudra and Dzogchen) or the esoteric Buddhist system of scriptural study, their religious depth and scholarly status are relatively limited.

Use of Incense Towers

According to the Shenghong Wenchuang (Shenghong Wenchuang), incense towers are used in folk beliefs as follows: [](https://shenghong1126.com.tw/spicestower08/)

- **Celebrating Birthdays and Fulfilling Vows**: Incense towers are often used for birthdays of deities or fulfilling vows. They are placed on the altar as offerings to express respect and gratitude to the deity. Their fragrance symbolizes sincerity and prays for peace and prosperity.

- **Practicality**: After worship, the spiral incense inside the incense tower can be left for the temple to use, allowing believers to accumulate merit. Some incense towers (such as the shakuroku thin incense) can be disassembled and used separately, making them convenient and practical.

- **Decoration and Symbolism**: Incense towers are of moderate size and feature a congratulatory red ribbon. The name of the deity or deity can be printed on them, adding to the solemnity of the ceremony. Some incense towers also serve decorative functions, such as laser-carved lanterns that can be used as bright lamps or nightlights, and colorful cloth lion incense towers that can be used as toys.

In the context of Tibetan Buddhism, if the incense tower is analogous to an incense offering vessel, its use may be related to the ritual of offering to a stupa:

- **Sangyan Offering**: Believers burn juniper or other incense in a special container (possibly shaped like a stupa) as an offering to the Three Jewels or local deities. This ceremony is usually performed outdoors, accompanied by chanting and prayers. **Stupa Offerings**: If an incense stupa refers to a tower-shaped incense container, it may be used to offer to a stupa or a small stupa. Believers would light incense and circumambulate the stupa to pray or meditate, accumulating merit.

Origin of the Incense Stupa

1. **The Origin of Incense and Stupas in Tibetan Buddhism**:

**Origin of Incense**: The Tibetan Buddhist tradition of offering incense dates back to the 7th century AD during the reign of Songtsen Gampo, when Princess Vikkuti of Nepal and Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty introduced Buddhism to Tubo, bringing with them scriptures, Buddha statues, and offering vessels. As part of Buddhist ritual, offering incense blends Indian Buddhist offerings with the Bon tradition of smoke offerings. Guru Padmasambhava, while further promoting Tantric Buddhism in the 8th century, systematized the smoke offering and incorporated it into Tibetan Buddhist rituals.

**Origin of the Stupa**: The stupa tradition originated in Indian Buddhism and symbolizes the Buddha's nirvana and teachings. During the Tubo period, Songtsen Gampo built the Jokhang Temple and the Ramoche Temple for the Buddha statues brought by Princess Wencheng and Princess Vikuti, laying the foundation for stupas in Tibet. Later, with the spread of the Dharma by scholars from Nalanda Monastery in India, stupas became important sacred objects in Tibetan Buddhism.

2. **Possible Origins of the Concept of "Incense Stupa":

- The term "incense tupa" may have originated as an innovation within Chinese Buddhism or folk beliefs, combining the symbolic meanings of "incense" and "stupa." According to Shenghong Wenchuang (Shenghong Wenchuang), incense tupas, as offerings for birthdays and fulfilling vows, are more commonly found in Han temples or folk worship ceremonies. They may have been inspired by the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of incense offerings, but have undergone local adaptation.

- In Tibetan Buddhism, similar offering vessels may include incense burners or stupa-shaped containers used for sang smoke offerings, but these are not typically called "incense tupas." The "incense pagoda" is more likely a product of modern commercialization or religious fusion, combining the Tibetan Buddhist incense offering culture with the Han Chinese preference for pagoda-shaped offerings, creating a birthday celebration product that is both practical and symbolic.

Analysis of the Relationship Between Tibetan Buddhism and Incense Pagodas

- **Cultural Fusion**: Tibetan Buddhism is known for its inclusiveness, absorbing elements of Bon and Indian Buddhism. If incense pagodas do exist within the fringe practices of Tibetan Buddhism, they may reflect cultural exchange between Tibet and Han China, such as the influence of Han Chinese offerings introduced by Princess Wencheng on Tibetan Buddhism.

- **Folk Practice**: The depiction of incense pagodas is more closely aligned with the offering culture of Han Chinese folk beliefs rather than the core tenets or rituals of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhist offerings emphasize sang smoke offerings, mandala offerings, or butter lamp offerings rather than pagoda-shaped incense vessels. - **Modern Commercialization**: The diverse designs of incense stupas (such as laser-carved lanterns and colorful cloth lions) and their practicality (such as removable incense sticks) indicate they are influenced by modern market demands, distancing themselves from traditional Tibetan Buddhist rituals.

Conclusion

In Tibetan Buddhism, the incense stupa, as a concrete object, is not a core component of traditional doctrines or rituals. Its influence and status are relatively limited, and it is more a product of folk beliefs or the fusion of Han and Tibetan religions. In Tibetan Buddhism, incense and stupas, respectively, carry the functions of offering and sacred objects. Incense offerings (such as the mulberry smoke offering) and stupas hold important positions in religious practice. However, the incense stupa, as a device that combines these two, may have originated from modern Han customs of birthday celebrations and vow fulfillment, indirectly inspired by the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of incense offerings. Its primary use is to worship deities, pray for blessings, and fulfill vows. It combines practicality and decorative elements, reflecting the local adaptation of religion and culture.