While Buddhist texts and traditions frequently mention the use of incense, there is no definitive record or widely accepted belief that the Buddha himself had a "favorite" incense stick. The practice of offering incense in Buddhism is more about the symbolic act and its spiritual benefits rather than a specific preference of the historical Buddha.[1] [2]

According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI:

The use of incense in Buddhist practices is deeply rooted in tradition and symbolism. Incense has been linked to ceremonies, religions, medicines, and cosmetics worldwide for thousands of years.[3] In Buddhism, offering incense is a practice of giving and a process of purifying negativities such as stinginess, mental defilements, and karmic debt.[1] It creates a sacred religious atmosphere, helping practitioners achieve a state of peace and silence, and is considered indispensable in various Buddhist rituals.[3]

When offering sang (a type of incense ritual), practitioners often chant mantras like oṃ aḥ huṃ and visualize the smoke as myriad offerings sent to Buddhas, bodhisattvas, protectors, and sentient beings across the six realms, including those to whom one owes karmic debt.[1] This visualization involves seeing everything as pure empty space with oṃ, fantastic offerings rising as smoke with aḥ, and the offerings being received by Buddhas and bodhisattvas with huṃ.[1] The act also involves taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, and generating an altruistic intention.[1]

Historically, the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road significantly influenced the types of incense used in China. Chinese texts from the Tang dynasty (618 to 907 CE) indicate the introduction of numerous exotic aromatic substances.[3] Archaeological evidence from Famen Royal Temple, renowned for storing the sacred sarira (relics) of Sakyamuni Buddha, has identified elemi, agarwood, and frankincense, as well as their composite product, Hexiang (blending of aromatics), used in Buddhist activities during that period.[3]

• Elemi: This resin, with its lemon- and pine-like scent, was found in a sarira container at Famen Temple, providing early evidence of its use in Buddhist rituals in ancient China.[3] While not widely recorded in ancient Chinese literature as incense, its presence in such a high-ranking container suggests its rarity and value.[3]
• Agarwood (Chenxiang): Considered a foremost incense in Buddhist scriptures, agarwood was highly appreciated in religious rituals and held a prominent position in the incense trade during the Tang dynasty.[3] It was found in a silver sarira container at Famen Temple, further highlighting its importance in Buddhist practices.[3]
• Frankincense (Ruxiang or Xunluxiang): This aromatic resin, originating from regions like northeast Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India, was also identified in the aromatic powder (Hexiang) from Famen Temple.[3] Its use in China dates back to at least the Tang dynasty, with earlier potential introductions during the Western Han dynasty.[3]

The blending of various incenses, known as Hexiang, became prevalent during the Tang dynasty, with many recipes excerpted from Buddhist scriptures, often featuring agarwood and frankincense.[3] This practice underscores that the emphasis was on the combination of fragrant materials to create a desired spiritual atmosphere, rather than a single "favorite" scent.[3]

Therefore, while specific types of incense like agarwood and frankincense were highly valued and frequently used in Buddhist rituals, particularly during the Tang dynasty in China, the concept of the Buddha having a "favorite" incense stick is not supported by available historical or religious texts. The focus remains on the symbolic offering and the spiritual benefits derived from the practice itself.[1] [3] [4]

Answer Provided by iAsk.ai – Ask AI.