Material: Tantric Purification Incense (Made by Kumbum Monastery Tibetan Medicine Hospital, Qinghai Province)

Size: Approximately 80 grams

Description: This incense is a copy of the "Purification Incense Sutra," a transmission from Guru Rinpoche for the benefit of all beings. It has been blessed with comprehensive mantras by accomplished Rinpoches and lamas, and is made with various spices.

The Role of Kumbum Monastery Incense Powder in Buddhist Rituals

Kummbum Monastery Incense Powder (also known as Obstacle-Clearing Incense or Purification Incense Powder) is a specialty of Kumbum Monastery, a branch of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) school of Tibetan Buddhism. It is primarily used in Tantric rituals for purification and cleansing. In Buddhist ceremonies, it plays a crucial role in "purifying impurities and warding off evil." Through burning, the smoke it produces dispels impurities, plagues, miasma, and negative energy, helping practitioners and believers clear physical and mental obstacles and achieve a state of physical and mental purity. Specifically, in Tantric rituals such as purification ceremonies or homa rituals, incense powder is used as a fumigation tool. The smoke symbolizes the fire of wisdom, and its burning is believed to purify the environment, protect the ceremony, and prevent interference from heretics or evil spirits. According to tradition, its merits are subtle and boundless, bringing both blessings and wisdom, spiritual and moral elevation, and protection from disputes and calamities. However, it should be noted that it is exclusively for Tantric purification purposes and should not be used for general offerings to Buddhas and deities, fire offerings, smoke offerings, consecration, or almsgiving. Those who have not received Tantric initiation are strictly prohibited from using it, lest misuse lead to adverse effects.

The Origin of Kumbum Monastery Incense Powder

The origin of Kumbum Monastery incense powder stems from the ancient traditions of Tibetan Buddhism's Tantric school and is closely linked to the historical background of Kumbum Monastery as the ancestral monastery of the Gelug school. Kumbum Monastery is located in Lushar Town, southwest of Xining City, Qinghai Province, China. Built in the 39th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1560), it is the birthplace of Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), the founder of the Gelug school. Legend has it that when Tsongkhapa was born, his umbilical cord blood dripped to the ground, immediately sprouting a white sandalwood tree. The leaves displayed the image of a "Lion's Roar Buddha," symbolizing the incarnation of Manjushri Bodhisattva. This tree became a sacred object of the monastery, which was later named "Ku'er Monastery" (meaning "Ten Thousand Buddha Images" in Tibetan).

The incense powder itself is based on an even older esoteric Buddhist formula, derived from the *Purification Incense Sutra*, a text passed down by Padmasambhava (8th century), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Padmasambhava introduced this sutra to Tibet to combat impurities and demonic obstacles. Later, this formula was continued in Gelug monasteries such as Ku'er Monastery, where it was blessed with comprehensive mantras by accomplished Rinpoches and lamas, and blended with precious local spices. The Tibetan medical traditions of Ku'er Monastery were also incorporated, making it a precious and exquisite incense of the monastery, widely known both domestically and internationally, and considered a rare treasure by many believers. Although there isn't a specific, singular "story," its origin reflects the fusion of Tibetan Buddhism from the exoteric to the esoteric schools: while Master Tsongkhapa emphasized the combined practice of exoteric and esoteric teachings, the use of incense powder originates from the purification practices of Padmasambhava, symbolizing the continuity of Buddhist lineage and the power of Dharma protectors.

Correct Use in Daily Life

Ku'er Monastery incense powder can be used as a protective tool in daily life, burned regularly to ward off evil and purify the home environment, but traditional rules must be followed to avoid misuse. The following are the correct ways to use it:

1. **Preparation and Storage**: Store the incense powder in a cool, dry place, avoiding moisture or direct sunlight. Use it as soon as possible after opening to maintain its fragrance and efficacy.

2. **Burning Method**: Use a dedicated incense burner or heat-resistant container (such as clay or metal) placed in a well-ventilated indoor area. Take an appropriate amount of incense powder (about a small pinch), light charcoal or heat it with an electric heater, and gently fan away the smoke as it rises. Burn the incense twice daily, morning and evening, for 10-20 minutes each time, while reciting purification mantras (such as "Om Ah Hum" or other secret mantras taught by your guru) to enhance its protective power.

3. **Suitable Occasions:** Suitable for home purification, post-illness recovery, moving and settling in, or when encountering misfortune. The smoke can be used to clean doors, windows, beds, and clothing, dispelling negative energy and protecting against harm from demons, heretics, evil spirits, malevolent deities, sorcery, Rakshasas, or poisonous insects and monsters. After use, it can bring peace of mind and body, increase blessings and wisdom, and bring purity and health, making the home auspicious and the family well-off.

4. **Contraindications and Precautions:** Strictly prohibited from use in the kitchen or near flammable materials; pregnant women, children, or those with respiratory sensitivities should keep away from the smoke; do not mix with regular incense, as this may weaken the blessings of Tantric Buddhism. It is best to seek guidance from a guru before use and ensure a respectful attitude.

Through these means, the incense powder from Kumbum Monastery is not only a religious item but also an aid in daily practice, embodying the Tibetan Buddhist wisdom of "benefiting others and oneself."