合香裡的生命哲學The Philosophy of Synthetic Incense

合香，亦寫為「和香」，又稱「合和香」，是將兩種以上的香藥合成的香，運用的是天人相應的中醫智慧與哲學思維。

Synthetic incense refers to the incense that contains more than two medicinal herbs. The creation of synthetic incense is based on the application of the profound wisdom of Chinese medicine and philosophy.

和香有一套完整超卓的理論架構，不僅是中國傳統的製香精神與方法，也是其他國家所望塵莫及的。「和」具有「和諧」之意，是人與宇宙萬物的相處之律，是香與人的身心相合，也是香藥與香藥彼此之間的和悅共鳴。

The theory of synthetic incense is well-rounded, by which traditional incense is manufactured. Such a theory is unmatched and may not be found in other countries. In one sense, synthetic incense represents the law, by which human beings and the universe coexist. There can be a subtle resonance and harmony between the incense and the one who enjoys it as well as among all the medicinal herbs.

 

合香重視天然香料及藥材的選擇，按君、臣、佐、輔的中醫理論進行配伍，彼此之間有嚴格的等級之分，使不同香材各展其性。《神農本草經》說：「藥有君、臣、佐、使，以相宣攝。」合香就像一首樂曲，講究的是和諧，主旋律是香品的主調〈君藥〉，是香的主要訴求功能，副旋律則由其他藥材輔助，藥物之間的主從、相須與相制的配伍關係，達到養生養性的功效，並營造層次豐富的嗅覺美感。宋代《香史》作者顏博文說：「合香之法，貴于使眾香咸為一體。麝滋而散，撓之使匀；沉實而腴，碎之使和；檀堅而燥，揉之使腻。比其性，等其物，而高下如醫者，則藥使氣味各不相掩。」不同藥材的和合，如樂團裡的各種器樂，彼此交織、堆疊、延續、錯落，不搶彼此風采，不妨礙主題展現，卻又在和諧共振中，保有各自的分際。陪襯雖用來助奏、裝飾，卻是不可或缺的角色。

It is emphasized that the choices of natural ingredients for synthetic incense should comply with the Chinese herbal theories and that all the ingredients can match one another to bring out the best effects. According to Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic, all the herbs ought to be strictly classified in order to be best utilized. Synthetic incense can be compared to a symphony, and the main incense material can be seen as the main chord, while the other incense materials are regarded as the accompaniments. All the ingredients, if wisely put together, can create layers upon layers of fragrance and enhance our health. In addition, a document recorded in the Song Dynasty stated that the essence of synthetic incense is to accumulate assorted incense materials without losing the unique and irreplaceable properties of any individual material.

香是愛力的載體，讓人身體放鬆、紓解壓力，感受情緒的喜悅、寧靜與穩定；讓雜亂不停息的念頭緩緩沉澱，有機會重新省視發生的每件事，釐清真相、重新定位、正向思考。視野不同、高度不同，生命就有了新的意義。

Incense is a channel for love; it can make people feel relaxed, relieved, joyful, serene, and stable. Incense can also help your restless mind calm down and hopefully reflect upon whatever happens to you on a higher and more positive level. If you can stand high and see things differently, then your life can be more meaningful.

生命也是如此，一個團隊裡的成員齊心協力，看向相同目標邁步前進，發揮每個人的特長；讓自己生命的芬芳成就另一種芬芳，和諧中便顯了大器！而地球如果是一款合香，所有的萬事萬物便是其中的香材，尊天敬地愛人惜物，香的祝福綿長不絕，我們樂活在幸福和諧與無限生機中！

The same goes for our real life. If we can cooperate and coordinate on our team, doing our parts well and aiming at the same goal, then we can inspire one another and create harmony altogether. If the earth is compared to a kind of synthetic incense, then all the creatures on earth can be compared to all the ingredients of the synthetic incense. As we smell the synthetic incense, we should pay respect and gratitude to all the beings, and then we can live happily in blessings and harmony!