Question from a newer member

Mackenzie4856

Mackenzie4856

Joined
Mar 28, 2006
Messages
385
Hello all. I am still new to HI; I hope I have not overstepped my bounds by entering the Cantina.

My experiences there have led me to a potentially awkward question. I am merely trying to understand an amazing group of people better; my intention is not to ruffle any feathers.

Now, with (hopefully) my apologies out of the way ... what exactly is 'smoke?'
What do you all mean when you say it? Where did the expression come from?

I have a basic understanding, I believe, but I'd like to know more.

If I missed an explanation of thsi in one of the stickies or in the archives, forgive me and point me in that direction.

Thanks in advance.
 
Welcome to the Cantina; have a seat any time.

Not only budhists, but many other different peoples have used the burning of sage, herbs, incense and other plants in a process of prayer- of supplication to a Deity, the universe, etc. That is my understanding.


munk
 
Thanks Mack

I've been here for months and never knew. I hoped someone asked. I did not really wanted to say "smokes sent" just to do like everybody, without knowing the meaning.

What I don't get is... why didn't I asked?
 
I try to follow the Red Road...native beliefs...to the best of my abilities and faith. When I pray, I burn plants to carry the prayers and I also play ndn flute...again...to carry my prayers.

I don't know if it helps others...but it helps me when that's all I can do.
 
im buddhist so automatically it clicked in my head what prayers and smoke meant :)

i regularly burn chinese incense when visiting my sisters house where a shrine is for my ancestors and a few gods :rolleyes: (will not go into much detail).

at home i burn nag champa for smoke request since i find the smell pleasant and relaxing...
 
So I could burn the good incense I keep for reading while having a good tought about the people asking for smoke?

Praying is not really in my habits :(
 
Welcome to the Cantina! What everybody else said. My understanding is that the requested "smoke" generally means prayers, good thoughts, positive energy, and, of course, actual smoke (I like this stuff, it smells pretty much like woodsmoke). :thumbup:

Jaiofspam said:
im buddhist so automatically it clicked in my head what prayers and smoke meant :)
Click to expand...

Me too, though I guess I'm more of an "Easter Buddhist" (yeah, I know that phrase makes no sense) myself. :)
 
Another way to see the smoke is as an offering of "good energy" to the person who needs it...like giving food to someone who has none. It helps strengthen and nourish their... spirit (insert your own understanding here).
DanR
 
Thanks to all who responded. I thought it might have Buddhist connections but I'd rather know than make assumptions.

Cybrok - glad I could be helpful in my questioning.

Next question: anyone know a good place to get sage in northwest Massachusetts?
 
Mackenzie4856 said:
Thanks to all who responded. I thought it might have Buddhist connections but I'd rather know than make assumptions.

Cybrok - glad I could be helpful in my questioning.

Next question: anyone know a good place to get sage in northwest Massachusetts?
Click to expand...

Oklahoma :) How ever it may be better known as boardark i southeast Oka.
Leon
 
There are some sites on the net that offer sage...
 
leon.pugh said:
Oklahoma :) How ever it may be better known as boardark i southeast Oka.
Leon
Click to expand...

Not to be confused with "Bow Dark" or more accurately "Bois D'Arc", trees found singley or in hedge rows. Bois D'Arc is commonly called Osage Orange, and was commonly used to make native american bows. You can still do that, but the wood is tough to work and ofter referred to as the NDNs revenge (after the old joke ) jn
 
Nasty said:
There are some sites on the net that offer sage...
Click to expand...

I must be pretty lucky to have wild white sage growing in my yard. That's usually what I use, picking a few stems and leaves and tying them together with cotton twine and letting it dry out burns like incense.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top