邀請春天進家門 Welcome Spring with Our Open Arms

中國老祖宗幾千年前發明了曆法，把一年分成24節氣。日常作息及農事活動就按照節氣來安排。所謂「春耕、夏耘、秋收、冬藏，四者不失其時，則五穀不絕。」依循四季樂活之道，不違背宇宙法則，人們自然能安居樂業，社會安康。

 

Ancient Chinese divides a years into 24 solar terms, by which people arrange their lives and agricultural activities.The 24 solar terms include Sowing in spring, Plowing in summer, Harvesting in fall, and Storing in winter. Living by the changes of the seasons, people can hopefully have well-being.

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.

美的幸福方程式 The Formula of Beauty

清代醫學家吳尚先在《理瀹駢文》一書說：「七情之病，看花解悶，嗅香提神，聽曲消愁，有勝於服藥者矣。」

 

A medicine expert in the Ching Dynasty once mentioned in a book, saying that if one was upset, he or she was advised to appreciate the beauty of blossoms, smell the fragrance of something to enhance his or her spiritual status, or listen to some great music to chase away the melancholy, as all the methods were thought to be superior to any medicinal treatment.

 

生活中的香道（1）---淨 Living with the Art of Incense---Purity

   從人類用香的歷史來看，幾千年前，人們就開始使用香氣來豐富生活，並奉獻給至高無上的神。香具有清淨的功效，無論是空間、物品、身體或情緒，香都能發揮淨化的妙用。以下分為幾點論述：

Since the dawn of history, human beings have used incense for thousands of years to enrich their life and to pay tribute to their supreme gods. Incense can be utilized to purify the space, objects, bodies, or even emotions. The details are listed as follows:

關於香的二三事 Information about Incense

一般人所認識的香，都是廟裡拜拜完、插在香爐的物品。其實，這只是香在歷史發展過程中的一個面貌而已；香文化內容豐富，精神深遠，是很多人所不理解的。

Typically, people relate incense to the incense sticks that are held upright burning in the incense urn. However, this is simply one aspect of how incense is used. In terms of the culture, development, and history of incense, its abundance is beyond the understanding of most people.

香道與弓道的對話

The Link between Incense and Archery

香道與弓道都是訓練心專注於一處，當中涉及的動作、儀軌、修養、精神力、禮儀等，都能是為了充份鍛練身心，讓心、神合一的方法。

Incense ceremony and archery practices are both aimed at helping people concentrate. By means of the focusing on the actions, rituals, spiritual practices, concentration, and related courtesy, we can fully train our body and mind in the hope that our body and mind merge into one.