The Significance of the Incense Burner on the Ancestral Altar
Incense burning is seen as an action that opens the gateway between the living world and the deceased ancestors. Thus, the incense burner is considered the most sacred object on the altar. Therefore, when cleaning the altar, regardless of the reason, one must be extremely careful, especially with the incense burner.
The Incense Burner on the Buddhist Altar
The Buddhist altar has only one incense burner, expressing reverence for the Buddha. At the same time, it is believed that the Buddha will bestow blessings and understand the sincerity of the devotees, bringing peace to all beings.
The Incense Burner on the Ancestral Altar
The ancestral altar is a place to worship the guardian deities of the house. The incense burner symbolizes the sincerity of the family members. The more sincere the family is, the more they will be protected and blessed by the deities.
Additionally, the incense burner for ancestor worship also serves as a reminder for descendants to remember their roots and express their gratitude to their ancestors. This helps foster the moral character and sense of gratitude of the younger generations, upholding the precious traditions of the entire nation.
Who is Worshipped on the Ancestral Altar?
According to traditional beliefs, the ancestral altar is divided into three levels:
Buddha Worship: Many families have a Buddhist altar to pray for peace, to overcome difficulties, and to strive towards Nirvana.
Deity Worship: Deities that protect the peace of the family are worshipped, such as the Earth God, Dragon Vein God, God of Wealth, and so on.
Ancestor Worship: This includes the deceased family members and close relatives who will provide blessings and protection in all aspects of life.
The Significance of the Incense Burner Set and the Seven Treasures Placed Within the Incense Burner
According to folk feng shui, the “Cốt” (incense burner set) is a gathering of the earth’s and heaven’s spiritual energy. Placing the incense burner set inside the incense burner helps to enhance its sacredness and align it with feng shui principles, bringing more fortune and prosperity to the family.
In simpler terms, an incense burner with the incense burner set allows for better incense burning. The incense burner set consists of various items such as the Seven Treasures, golden rice to attract wealth, five-spice powder, and ash.
According to Master Tam Nguyen, an incense burner without the incense burner set is like a person without a soul, which can lead to a decline in career and wealth. All incense burners should have the incense burner set. If an incense burner is set up without the incense burner set, it is believed that the worship will not be effective, and prayers will not be answered.
What are the Seven Treasures in the Incense Burner Set?
The Seven Treasures include seven precious objects of the earth and heaven. The most important item in the incense burner set is the Seven Treasures, which represent spirituality on the altar, placed inside the incense burner to enhance the sacredness of worship, connecting with the ancestors and deities, and expressing sincerity to the invisible realm…
In the Han language, “Thất” means “seven,” and “bảo” means “treasure.” The Seven Treasures gather the spiritual energy of the Earth and Heaven: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Soil (including tin, silver, jade, quartz, mother-of-pearl, agate, and red coral). Together, they help eliminate negative energy and prevent the intrusion of bad energy into the spiritual worship area and the family.
Today, the incense burner set also includes other items such as golden rice to attract wealth, five-spice powder, and ash.
– Golden Rice: This is a feng shui talisman used to empower spiritual objects, deities, and statues to attract wealth and increase their power and spiritual energy. On the 10th day of the first lunar month, golden rice is often added to the incense burner to enhance its power to attract wealth and blessings and increase the power of the God of Wealth.
– Five-Spice Powder: This mixture of cinnamon, anise, cloves, musk, and cardamom has the effect of dispelling evil spirits, eliminating negative energy, and activating positive energy.
– Clean straw ash is added to the incense burner to facilitate incense burning. Five-spice powder, combined with straw ash, enhances positive energy.
Additionally, there are:
– Talisman: A type of talisman that inscribes the information, name, and title of the deity being worshipped in the incense burner.
– Agarwood bead: A gift from heaven and earth, it has both spiritual and supernatural effects. Agarwood beads are made from high-quality agarwood powder and are used to fumigate the incense burner before placing the incense burner set, helping to dispel negative energy and purify the space.
According to Master Tam Nguyen, a complete incense burner set from reputable feng shui companies usually includes all the necessary ingredients (a box of Seven Treasures, a box of Golden Rice, a packet of Five-Spice Powder, an agarwood bead, and a talisman).
Fake Incense Burner Sets Do Not Gather Spiritual Energy
Why Do Green Bananas Ripen So Quickly After Being Prayed Over?
The mystery of the rapidly ripening bananas is an intriguing one. Why do green bananas, once offered as a sacred fruit on the altar, turn a golden yellow within a matter of days? This phenomenon has puzzled many, but the answer lies in the unique biology of the banana plant and the delicate balance of nature.