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.

從年初24節氣中的「立春」、「雨水」過後，天氣逐漸暖和。

暖風吹過，草木初萌，令人心生希望。因此春日的香事，可以花香為主調，如玫瑰、洋甘菊、薰衣草、迷迭香等；天然花草香令人心曠神怡、不由生出甜蜜喜悅的感覺。加上木質香，營造出穩定寬闊的基調，這樣的香氣，猶如身處百花盛放的花園，生意盎然，充滿活力。
After the start of spring, the spring showers bring warmer weather. The warm breeze awakens the plants with hope. Therefore, the main materials for incense formulas are based on flowers, such as roses, camomiles, lavender, and rosemary etc. Natural plants refresh us and make us feel delighted. The fragrance from the wood opens up our mind, making us feel as if we were in a lively garden where flowers are in full bloom.           
香品可隨個人喜愛做調配，或做成香丸來薰香。一席香案，邀請春天進家門！   

The formulas of incense can vary with your liking and incense can come in powder or balls. We can joyfully welcome the arrival of spring with incense!

品香時，可以先專注香氣的前中後段氣味，訓練覺受力。然後靜心冥想，以香之清淨美德觀照自性。正如蘇東坡所說的：「焚香默坐，深自省察，則物我相忘，身心皆空，求罪垢所從生而不可得。 一念清淨，染汙自落，表裏翛然，無所附麗。」

In the initial and middle stages of appreciating the incense, we can train our sensitivity and concentration. Afterwards, we can meditate and focus on our inner world. As Su-Tong-Po once mentioned, sitting quietly with burning incense helps us reflect upon ourselves and let go of our physical and mental disturbance. When we empty our thoughts, we are naturally free.
 

一縷香霧，邀請春天入席，也悟生命可貴，珍惜當下！

In short, let’s welcome the arrival of spring with incense! With incense, we can appreciate our lives and cherish the moment!