Lotus Zen Blog
New Arrivals: Temple of Incense, Sage, Palo & Resins
We’re excited to announce the arrival of new incense at Lotus Zen! Earlier this season, we launched our Raw Incense range of Sage, Palo, Frankincense and Myrrh and this month we’ve expanded our Indian Incense collection with artisan incense house, Temple of Incense.
Buddhist Artwork by Iwasaki Tsuneo
Iwasaki Tsuneo Iwasaki Tsuneo is a Japanese artist (1917-2002) who created original and exquisitely intricate works of Buddhist art often influenced by his work as a biologist and lover of science. The subject of Iwasaki's paintings range from classical Buddhist iconography to majestic views of our universe and many works feature delicate miniature calligraphy of the Heart Sutra (a classic Buddhist text). Take a look at some of our favourite Iwasaki paintings below... Transmigration Transmigration offers a cosmic view of the elements that circulate through the universe. Recycled through stars, stones and human beings. Atom Iwasaki uses calligraphy of the heart sutra to...
Incense Cones vs Sticks: Two Types of Incense Explained
There are many different types of incense, from sticks to cones and even raw resins (like Frankincense and Myrrh). Today, the most popular types of incense (due to ease of use) are sticks and cones. If you’ve been looking around for the best type of incense for you, you’ve probably wondered – should I be using sticks or cones? And what are the main differences in terms of ingredients and scent? Let’s take a look… Incense Sticks vs Cones - How Are They Made? The first type of incense sticks consist of aromatic ingredients bound to a bamboo core. This...
Agarwood: More Expensive than Gold!
Agarwood (also known as Oud or Aloeswood) is one of the highest valued aromatics in the incense and perfumery world. Known by incense connoisseurs for it's distinctive woody, sweet and resinous scent, evoking an ambience of mystery and serenity. The wonders of agarwood have been noted for thousands of years, particularly used in the form of incense in religious and spiritual settings. In many parts of Asia, agarwood incense sticks are used in many monasteries and temples to set a mood for meditation and contemplation. The mysterious scent calms the mind and there are several studies that show that burning agarwood...
Top 7 Incense Sticks to Burn in Spring
The fragrances of springtime have inspired incense makers for generations and these evocative floral scents can be found in both modern and traditional incenses. A lot of Japanese incense especially takes influence from Spring with many Japanese incense makers using the sakura cherry blossom tree as inspiration. Incenses evocative of spring are often fresh, delicate and floral. Here are out top 7 incense sticks for spring: 1. Pearl | Karin Les Encens du Monde Pearl emits flowery, delicate accents of tuberose riding a unique background of sandalwood accompanied by the fresh marine-like scent of coumarin. The floral sweetness of Pearl makes it one of our...