Tibetan Incense Manufacturing Process (Maizhokunggar County)

Tibetan incense (藏香) is an ancient tradition that has been passed down for over a thousand years. The origins of Tibetan incense date back to the 7th century during the reign of Songtsen Gampo (松赞干布), a revered Tibetan king. It is said that the incense was initially created by his minister, Tönmi Sambhota (吞米·桑布扎), to honor the Buddha statues sent from Chang’an (长安) and Nepal. These statues were believed to have been consecrated by the Buddha himself. The incense was originally created as an offering for religious rituals, and it quickly spread throughout Tibet and beyond.

The manufacturing process for traditional Tibetan incense utilizes over dozens of different aromatic ingredients, including cedarwood (柏树), musk (麝香), and sandalwood (白檀香), among others. These ingredients are carefully mixed, ground, and formed into incense sticks or other shapes, following ancient techniques that have been refined over centuries.

Historical Significance and Traditional Craftsmanship

According to legend, Tönmi Sambhota (吞米·桑布扎) used traditional Tibetan medicine to guide the creation of the incense. The manufacturing process involves various steps, including sawing cedarwood logs into small sections, peeling them, grinding them into a fine paste with watermills, and mixing them with other aromatic ingredients. The mixture is then pressed into molds made from cow horns, left to dry for two to three days, and finally shaped into the incense sticks we recognize today.

Historically, Tibetan incense was used mainly for religious ceremonies and offerings, particularly during prayers by monks and high spiritual figures. The incense was believed to have several beneficial effects, including disease prevention, spiritual enhancement, air purification, and boosting metabolism. The incense’s high-quality ingredients made it a luxury product, limiting its widespread use.

Due to the rarity of its ingredients and the complex craftsmanship required to produce it, the tradition of Tibetan incense nearly faced extinction. However, efforts in Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县), particularly through the work of Zhi Kongti Monastery (直孔替寺), have helped to restore and protect this ancient craft.

The Revival of Tibetan Incense: A Family’s Journey to Success

A New Chapter in Incense Making

In Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县), the Zhi Kongti Women’s Tibetan Medicine Incense Processing Cooperative (直孔热色妇女藏药香加工合作社) is at the heart of the recent revival of Tibetan incense making. The cooperative is located in Memba Township, in Rendo Gang Village (门巴乡仁多岗村), a peaceful settlement at over 4500 meters above sea level, where the local landscape provides unique natural resources like sweet fennel (甘松) and cloves (丁香), essential for making high-quality incense.

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Cooperative

Lobsang (洛桑), a local man from the 70s generation, and his wife Qu Wang (曲旺), founded the cooperative with a dream of bringing their community’s heritage and craftsmanship to a larger audience. Lobsang recalls the early days of their journey, where they struggled to make ends meet by raising yak (牦牛), a staple livelihood for the locals. “I knew that relying solely on yak herding wouldn’t take us far,” Lobsang explained. “We had to innovate and diversify.”

They opened a small tea house in the village, which gradually improved their living situation. Over time, they recognized the potential in the unique incense-making tradition of their hometown and decided to invest in this ancient craft. “The incense is made from locally sourced herbs and plants, and we knew it could be a profitable venture,” Lobsang said, pointing to the raw materials laid out in front of him.

Overcoming Early Challenges

The early years of the cooperative were full of obstacles. “We didn’t have much formal education, and setting up the cooperative was difficult,” Lobsang said with a sigh. “There were times when we wanted to give up and return to the tea house.” His wife, Qu Wang (曲旺), nodded in agreement. But with the support of local government initiatives, they were able to overcome these challenges.

The local government and Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县) provided crucial support, from helping them obtain business licenses to opening up markets for their incense products. “We are deeply grateful for the support we’ve received,” Lobsang said. “This support has kept us going, and we are determined to make this work for the future of our community.”

Spreading the Scent of Success

Growing Popularity of Tibetan Incense

Over the years, the cooperative has gained recognition, and its incense products have found their way to various exhibitions and fairs. During these events, Lobsang and Qu Wang enthusiastically share their passion for Tibetan incense, often inviting visitors to experience the unique fragrance. “When I see people appreciating our incense, my heart swells with pride,” Qu Wang said, her face beaming with joy.

From 2013 to 2024, the cooperative has helped raise 220,000 RMB for the local community, empowering others to see the value in their traditional skills. Many villagers, inspired by the success of the cooperative, have started their own businesses. As a women’s representative, Qu Wang (曲旺) is particularly proud to see more women joining the movement for economic empowerment through Tibetan incense.

Sustainable Growth and Cultural Preservation

The cooperative’s success has been instrumental in both economic development and cultural preservation in Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县). By creating new job opportunities and promoting the unique heritage of Tibetan incense, Lobsang and Qu Wang have helped boost the local economy while also ensuring that this centuries-old craft continues to thrive.

Their success story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the importance of cultural heritage. As they look to the future, they are determined to expand their business and contribute even more to the rural revitalization (乡村振兴) efforts in their community.

Through this cooperative, Tibetan incense (藏香) is not just a product—it’s a bridge between tradition and the future, ensuring that a precious cultural heritage will continue to be cherished for generations to come.