Materials: Benzoin Resin

Size: 1 kg

Description:

Benzoin is also known as zhujuluo incense.

Source: The Sutra of the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva's Great, Complete, Unhindered, and Greatly Compassionate Heart Dharani. The Sutra of the Wish-Fulfilling Wheel Dharani states: "If one wishes to manifest Vajrapani, mix agarwood, benzoin, and other incense with butter and honey. Once, think of Vajrapani. Burn once 100,000 times. Vajrapani will manifest."

It soothes emotions, calms the mind, relieves anxiety and sadness, and has the effect of warding off evil and purifying.

Benzoin resin, also known as benzoin resin or styrax, is a natural resinous fragrance extracted from the Styrax benzoin tree. It plays an important role in Buddhist rituals. It is primarily used as an incense material to purify space, dispel negative energy, and enhance mental focus. It is also offered as an offering to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. In Buddhist temples and places of practice, benzoin is often burned in the form of sticks, coils, or directly. Its mild, sweet aroma is believed to soothe the mind and clear distractions, aiding meditation, Zen practice, and chanting. For example, in Buddhist offering ceremonies, burning benzoin symbolizes respect for the Dharma, warding off evil, removing obstacles, and inviting the arrival of deities or bodhisattvas. This practice is not limited to Southeast Asian Buddhist traditions (such as Thailand and Indonesia), but is also widely practiced in Chinese, Japanese, and Indian Buddhism, becoming an integral element of ritual. It is also considered a spiritual energy channeling tool, helping practitioners balance their body and mind and creating a sacred atmosphere. Furthermore, benzoin's aroma promotes breathing and dissipates phlegm, and is incorporated into rituals in some Buddhist medicine and health practices to promote physical and mental well-being.

Origins of Benzoin

Benzoin's origins can be traced back to ancient Southeast Asia, native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Java, and Malaysia. Made from the solidified resin that oozes out of the bark of the benzoin tree after incision, it possesses a sticky, aromatic quality. Its early uses included medicine and perfumery. The name "benzoin" derives from the Arabic "luban jawi," meaning "Javanese frankincense," reflecting its history of spread from Southeast Asia to the Middle East and Europe via trade routes. In China, it was first introduced from the Western Regions (including the Parthian Empire, also known as the Parthian Empire), hence the name "benzoin." However, its actual origin was not the Parthian Empire, but rather its arrival via trade routes such as the Silk Road. The ancient Egyptians used it in perfumes and incense, while ancient India and Asia incorporated it into religious and medicinal traditions. In Buddhist contexts, the use of benzoin can be found in ancient Buddhist scriptures and herbal texts, such as the "Compendium of Materia Medica," which record its ability to warm the body, soothe the mind, and ward off evil. As Buddhism spread from India to China and Southeast Asia, benzoin gradually became a standard incense for Buddhist rituals, incorporating it into local shamanic rituals and incense culture.

Related Stories

Benzoin is the subject of numerous stories in Buddhism and related traditions, highlighting its sacred and miraculous properties. One famous story, from the Chinese "Book of Jin: Biography of the Arts, Fotucheng," recounts the miracles performed by the eminent Western Regions monk Fotucheng (circa 232-348 AD) in Luoyang, China, using benzoin. According to the account, in the fourth year of the Yongjia reign (310 AD), Fotucheng arrived in China. At the time, Luoyang was suffering from drought and water shortages. He burned benzoin to pray for rain, and clear water gushed out of a well, saving the people. This event was seen as a symbol of benzoin's ability to ward off evil and bring blessings, reinforcing its status in Buddhist rituals.

Another story stems from Buddhist texts, such as the mention of "Zhuoju Luoxiang" (the ancient name for benzoin) in certain sutras as a means of summoning bodhisattvas. For example, one legend describes a bodhisattva appearing after a practitioner burned benzoin to help dispel obstacles and fears. This reflects benzoin's use in Buddhism as a tool for exorcising demons, removing obstacles, and invoking the gods.

In the Buddhist and shamanic traditions of Indonesia and Malaysia, benzoin is also associated with ancient spiritual stories. Local shamans burned benzoin during highland rituals to purify the soul and invoke ancestral spirits. These customs were later integrated into Buddhist practice, forming a unique incense culture. Furthermore, in Indian Buddhist legend, benzoin is considered a sacred resin that bridges the mortal and spiritual realms, helping practitioners achieve nirvana. These stories not only highlight benzoin's practical value but also imbue it with spiritual significance symbolizing purity and enlightenment.

Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place.

Shelf Life: Indefinitely if properly stored.