First of all let me begin by stating that this is not a complete, or even semi-complete guide to meditation. There are literally thousands of websites and books devoted to every possible aspect and type of meditation and they are all available with a quick trip to Google. What you are reading currently is an easy to read and understand beginners guide to meditation.

Satya Sai Baba Nag Champa.  Golden Nag Champa.  Shanthimalai Nag Champa. Goloka Nag Champa.  These are the heavy hitters in the nag champa category and each one has its own die-hard fans.  Some will defend …

Among all of the myriad nag champa offerings in the world it seems like Tulasi doesn’t get much respect. While Satya Sai Baba Nag Champa, Golden Nag Champa, Goloka Nag Champa and Shanthimalai Nag Champa battle it out for the top spots, Tulasi barely gets a mention in comparison. Which is sort of sad because it is definitely worth not only a mention, but it is worth trying as well.

When I think of dragons, I am likely to think of brimstone, burning wood, charred peasants and the smell of the pet snake I had several years ago. I am not likely to think of sweet, sultry, sensual scents. Unless of course we are talking about the Fuolornis Fire Dragon as made famous by Douglas Adams and The Hitchhikers Guide to The Galaxy. But I digress.

When I first opened the inner packaging of this pack of Gonesh No. 2 Oils and Spices I was struck by the citrus note. I was expecting something earthy and warm considering the name of the incense is “Oils and Spices”. So, a personal note to myself: Don’t try to smell with your eyes anymore.

The sticks themselves are very dry and very unlike Durbars and Champas that feel slightly damp to the touch. So I thought that when I applied flame to the tip it would fairly whoosh into flame. That was not the case. In fact it was more like lighting charcoal as no flame ever presented itself to be blown out. Instead the tip glows after a moment or two under a match or lighter and then remains glowing. Very simple and a little surprising.