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Sachet of 15 grams of sandalwood powder.
Coming from India, this wood used in incense on charcoal helps with calm, serenity and meditation.
€4.95
Indian white sandalwood , known scientifically as Santalum album , is an aromatic tree native primarily to southern India, particularly the dry forests of Kerala and Karnataka. Used for over 4,000 years, it has a rich cultural and spiritual history. The wood has been prized in various traditions for its medicinal properties and unique fragrance , often associated with religious and funerary rituals.
Origin and History
White sandalwood is a parasitic shrub that grows by attaching itself to the roots of other trees, allowing it to absorb the nutrients it needs to grow. It is mentioned in ancient texts, both Indian and Chinese, where it was used for embalming and religious rituals. In ancient Egypt, it was also used to preserve the bodies of mummies. Over the centuries, white sandalwood has become a symbol of wealth and spirituality in India, often used in the construction of temples and the making of sacred objects.
Unfortunately, overexploitation of sandalwood has led to its current status as an endangered species. The Indian government has put in place strict regulations regarding its harvest and export to preserve this valuable resource. Today, sandalwood is cultivated in various countries, including Australia, but the Indian variety remains the most sought after for its superior olfactory quality.
Spiritual and Beneficial Properties
Sandalwood is known for its spiritual properties. It is often used in meditative practices and purification rituals due to its calming scent that promotes concentration and serenity. In Hindu tradition, sandalwood is considered sacred; it symbolizes purity and wisdom. A famous Indian proverb says: "The virtuous man should imitate the sandalwood tree which, when felled, perfumes the axe that strikes it," emphasizing the idea of resilience and altruism.
Therapeutically, sandalwood has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties. It is used in aromatherapy to treat various ailments such as anxiety, respiratory disorders and skin conditions. The essential oil extracted from the wood is also used in massages to improve blood circulation and promote a state of deep relaxation.
Uses in Religious Rituals
Hinduism
In Hinduism, sandalwood is often used in the form of a paste called Chandanam. Devotees apply this paste to their foreheads during Pujas (prayer ceremonies), symbolizing devotion and purification. Chandan is applied in horizontal or vertical strokes, depending on the traditions of the sects, and is believed to bring freshness and clarity of mind during meditation and prayer. Additionally, sandalwood is burned as incense during ceremonies, its smoke being considered a means of uplifting the soul and promoting spiritual connection.
Buddhism
In Buddhism, sandalwood is also sacred. It is associated with the Bodhisattva Amitabha and used to create an atmosphere conducive to meditation. The scents of the wood are said to transform material desires and help maintain attention during meditative practices. Objects such as Mālā, prayer beads made of sandalwood, are commonly used to count mantra recitations.
Other Practices
Sandalwood also finds its place in other religious traditions. For example, it was used in ancient Egypt for embalming and has been mentioned in ancient sacred texts. In India, it is common to use sandalwood to build temples, reinforcing its sacred status.
Thus, Indian white sandalwood is much more than just a material; it embodies a rich spiritual tradition that spans the ages. Its use in religious rituals in India is a testament to its cultural and spiritual importance. Whether for its soothing fragrance or its purifying properties, sandalwood continues to be a symbol of devotion and spiritual upliftment in Hindu and Buddhist practices. Its increasing rarity underscores the need to preserve this sacred tree for future generations.
PO.BO.SA.15
Data sheet
- Weight (gr)
- 15
- Main material
- Wood
- Quality
- Sandalwood
- type
- Incense
- State
- Nine
- Origin
- India
- Specification
- Natural
- REP
- FR338377_01FWCZ
- Reference
- PO.BO. SA.15
- Peculiarity
- Natural Plants Natural Incense Medicine Prayers
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