生活中的香道（2）--敬 Living with the Art of Incense---Respect

幾千年前，香就與人們的生活密不可分，尤其在莊嚴有序的宗教儀禮與家族祭祀中，已經成為不可或缺的符號。藉由焚香祝禱、詩歌樂舞與特有服飾，建構出神聖的儀式空間。香，傳達了至高無上的神秘性，讓人們心中升起虔敬之心。

Incense has been indispensable to humans since thousands of years ago. It is extraordinarily vital on religious ceremonies. By burning incense, reciting poetry, and dancing in particular attire, we can make the space for any rituals sacred. Incense conveys unfathomable mystery, making all of us respectful to it.

儘管時代已經過了數千年，至今人們在動土儀式、開幕誌慶、春節開工、新居落成或生死婚嫁等大事，這一縷飄向空中的青煙，依然是上達天聽的忠實信使。

Despite the long history of incense, up to now, people still use incense on groundbreaking, opening, relocation, marriage, or even funeral ceremonies. It is because incense has been believed to convey our wishes to the heaven.

香，來自於大自然的植物。無論是根、莖、葉、花、果實，都蘊藏著豐沛生命力與智慧。地球上的植物、陽光、大地、星辰、空氣、水、風、動物、人類，彼此共生、共好、共和，形成平衡的美麗生態。

The ingredients of incense come from the big nature. The roots, stems, leaves, blossoms, and fruits of the plants are rich in life and wisdom. The plants, sunshine, soil, stars, air, water, wind, animals, humans coexist in this very universe and create a wonderful balance.

植物把生命奉獻給一切，無論白天或夜晚、陰晴或風雪。居家一爐香，在香氣中，與植物的神奇生命力合一，香氣就療癒了我們，帶給家庭和樂平安。

The plants on earth contribute themselves to all on any condition. With all the ingredients burned together, an amazing healing process can be triggered and bring to us joy and harmony.

下次品香時，何妨看看那一縷煙，或許會看見植物正向陽光招手、和蜜蜂共舞、與星晨細語。當風兒輕輕吹起，種子隨風而去，找了一個合適的地方，落土生根，再次奉獻自己！思及此處，自然心存感恩，禮敬萬物。
Next time when you appreciate the fragrance of incense, you are suggested to notice the plants waving to the sun, whispering to the stars, and dancing with the bees. As the breezes gently touch the plants, their seeds are gone with the wind and will settle somewhere to start a new cycle of life in order to contribute themselves again. Thinking of this, I cannot help but be grateful to all the beings!