Agarwood is honored as a " spiritual incense ", used in Vietnamese folk beliefs and rituals of most major religions in the world such as Buddhism, Christianity or Islam . In every system, agarwood is not only a means of connecting people with the sacred, but also a symbol of purification, devotion and inner enlightenment.

Vietnamese beliefs and culture

For thousands of years, agarwood has been present as a sacred and familiar part of the spiritual life of Vietnamese people. Agarwood is considered the "spiritual energy of heaven and earth" , crystallized from deep forests, through a long time absorbing the essence of nature and the soul of the tropical land, then becoming a sacred symbol associated with morality, filial piety and national cultural traditions .

In Eastern philosophy, “When drinking water, remember the source. When eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree” is the core of life. The Vietnamese custom of ancestor worship is not simply a ritual, but an act of showing filial piety . In the worship space, the incense sticks burn slowly, the light smoke flows like a stream connecting descendants with their ancestors, between the present and the past. The scent of incense spreading throughout the house is also a way to purify the air, preserving the solemnity and coziness of the family altar . Ethnic minorities in the highlands and mountainous areas also preserve the custom of burning incense on important occasions, as a symbol of luck, peace, praying for favorable weather, and bountiful crops.

Vietnamese people often burn incense on New Year's Eve , the transition between the old year and the new year, as a way to ward off evil spirits, welcome good luck, and pray for peace for the family . The gentle scent of incense not only creates a cozy space but also helps people calm down and turn to their roots in moments of reunion.

Although time has changed, modern life has washed away many traditional values, but the incense stick on every holiday, death anniversary still retains its original meaning. It is not only a spiritual ritual, but also a moment for every Vietnamese to stop, calm down, remember grandparents and parents, family values, and the old home warmed by incense smoke.

Nowadays, agarwood is not only used in the form of incense, but also crafted into agarwood bracelets, rosaries, etc. , carried with the person as a spiritual amulet , expressing belief in the protection of ancestors, heaven and earth, and the desire to live a good and peaceful life.

Buddhism

For thousands of years, agarwood has held a special place in the religious and ritual life of Buddhists. Not only is it a precious incense, agarwood carries within it profound meanings and energies that resonate with the core of Buddhist teachings: purity, tranquility, enlightenment and liberation . Therefore, agarwood is not only present as a sacred offering, but also becomes a part of Buddhist culture for many generations.

In Buddhism, incense is one of the basic offerings to the Three Jewels (Buddha - Dharma - Sangha), expressing respect and the wish to purify the body and mind. Among them, agarwood, especially ky nam, is considered the pinnacle of spiritual incense . This type of incense does not need a large quantity or dense smoke; just a light smoke and lingering scent is enough to make the space solemn and pure, helping practitioners easily bring their minds back to mindfulness. Since ancient times, agarwood has been used for burning during meditation, chanting, making offerings or in important Buddhist rituals. Unlike other types of incense, natural agarwood gives off a gentle, deep, long-lasting fragrance that spreads without being harsh.

Agarwood possesses three characteristics: it is difficult to find, has an incomparable fragrance, and is revered and praised by virtuous people . These three qualities are also the three core characteristics of Nirvana, the ultimate state in Buddhism, where the mind is completely calm, clear, and free from agitation, desire, or ignorance. It is this profound similarity that has led to agarwood being called the “scent of Nirvana” . When offering agarwood to the Buddha, Buddhists not only express their respect, but also pray for inner transformation, towards peace and enlightenment.

In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, agarwood is also used to open chakras, purify the mind, enhance intuition and help practitioners enter deeper meditation. Many ancient religious texts from India have recorded agarwood as a scent that can materialize prayers, connecting the human mind to the ultimate truth.

Agarwood is crafted into rosaries, bracelets, and the most prominent is the 108-bead rosary . The 108 beads represent 108 Samadhi methods to resolve 108 afflictions. When counting the rosary, the light friction and body temperature help each agarwood bead emit a pure fragrance, helping practitioners to purify their minds, maintain mindfulness and maintain awareness. For that reason, the image of monks and Buddhists wearing bracelets or counting agarwood beads has become a familiar cultural feature, not only because of the gentle scent, but also because of the peaceful energy that agarwood brings: nurturing compassion, purifying emotions, opening up wisdom and keeping the mind calm.

With all these sacred and practical values, agarwood is not only a rare incense, but also a living symbol of the Buddhist spirit : introspection, peace, enlightenment and compassion. In each wisp of agarwood smoke, people feel the journey back to themselves, calm and at ease.

Christianity

Agarwood, with its pure fragrance and inherent sacredness, has long been present in the religious life of Catholics as a symbol of sanctification, prayer and spiritual connection. According to Christian history, the incense burning ritual was first recorded at the Mass awaiting the resurrection of Jesus at the end of the 4th century in Jerusalem. In this ritual, incense burners were placed around the altar, so that the sweet aromatic smoke of the incense could spread, covering the sacred space of the basilica, as a form of offering and purification.

Since then, incense has been widely used in Catholic liturgy, often seen in the image of a censer placed under a statue of Christ or the Pope using an incense burner during important ceremonies at the Vatican. Incense is not only an offering to God, but also a symbol of reverence, repentance and the desire to be close to God.

In blessing, prayer or funeral ceremonies, holy oil - made from a mixture of olive oil, frankincense, myrrh and musk - is used in the anointing ritual, bringing sanctification and protection. The scent of frankincense helps to purify the space, repel impurity and demons, bringing believers to a state of purity to receive God's grace.

For Catholics, the use of incense in rituals has a profound spiritual meaning. Incense is like an invisible thread connecting the hearts of the faithful to the mystery of God, expressing devotion and the desire to live in the light of grace.

In addition, items made from agarwood, such as the Rosary , further enhance the spiritual value and solemnity and sacredness. In the Catholic tradition, the Rosary is likened to a bouquet of roses offered to the Virgin Mary. Legend has it that every time a monk recites the Hail Mary, a rose petal appears on his lips and is woven into a wreath to offer to the Mother. Therefore, the Rosary made of agarwood not only brings a pleasant fragrance and health benefits, but also helps to open the mind, foster peace and spiritual awakening. Depending on the number of beads, Catholic agarwood bracelets can have different meanings.

All of these images, from the spreading incense smoke, the billowing incense burner under the altar, to the agarwood rosary in hand, are silent but powerful prayers of hearts always turned to God with complete faith and devotion.

Islam

In Islamic culture, agarwood (oud) is not only a precious fragrance but also has a deep meaning of purification, reverence and connection with Allah . Since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, agarwood has been mentioned in the Hadith - his teachings and actions - as a special fragrance loved and used on many important occasions.

Muslims believe that agarwood is a gift from Heaven , so it is often burned during major holidays such as Ramadan, Eid, or when receiving distinguished guests, to purify the space, bringing comfort, relaxation and sacredness. Agarwood is burned in a copper censer (mabkhara), spreading fragrant smoke that permeates the worship space, helping people to calm down, dedicate and remain humble before Allah.

In mosques, agarwood is often used before prayers to purify the air and the mind of the worshipper. For Muslims, keeping their body, clothes and soul pure before standing before Allah is extremely sacred, and the scent of agarwood is a subtle support for that. That is why agarwood perfumes are also popular, alcohol-free, used as part of the preparation for religious rituals.

In Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and many other Muslim countries, agarwood has become an indispensable part of spiritual and cultural life. It is believed that agarwood has the ability to ward off evil spirits, purify evil spirits, and bring sacred protection to families and individuals. Therefore, burning agarwood every day at home is also a common habit, as an act of preserving purity, bringing peace and luck.

Agarwood is also a symbol of hospitality and dignity . When receiving distinguished guests, traditional Muslims often offer tea and burn incense as a solemn ritual to show respect and hospitality. The spreading fragrant smoke is also a way to strengthen relationships, warm the atmosphere and honor family values.

Nowadays, agarwood blocks, oud oil or agarwood bracelets are also loved by many Muslims as a spiritual gift, symbolizing purity, meditation and protection. They not only carry the scent of pure nature, but also act as a silent prayer, leading the user's soul towards the sacred light of faith, love and eternal peace.