The Forms of Buddhist Incense
In the traditions of Buddhism, several forms of Incense are used.
	Zuko (Rubbing Incense): Finely ground powder made from various ingredients. The most common mixture is Sandalwood, Aloeswood, Clove, Turmeric, and Borneol. Zuko is used for purification before ceremonies, preparing meals, or even touching another person. The origins of Zuko are from ancient in India where hygiene was a major concern. Traditionally it was spread across the entire body for its antiseptic and aromatic qualities.
	Makko (Ground Incense): Finely ground powder which is now used as a base to burn raw incense upon. This mixture functions infinitely better as a burning base than the use of charcoal. There exist a variety of recipes for this mixture within the texts of Buddhism and incense manuals. The main mixture is a combination of Sandalwood, Aloes wood, and Cloves.
	Shoko (Burning Incense): The various mixtures of raw incense ingredients which are placed upon the Makko base. There exist a wide variety of mixtures of Shoko mixtures, each designed for specific practices and effects. One variety is the basic Buddhist Five Incense mixture of Aloes wood, Sandalwood, Clove, Turmeric, and Borneol. Shoko is commonly used today for religious ceremonies and practices in a multitude of traditions across the world. Buddhism, Catholicism, as well many other traditions maintain this ancient practice of incense burning.
	Senko (Incense Stick): This is what comes to mind when most people think of incense. Senko is commonly used as an offering, a timer for meditation practice, to fragrance a room, or just for personal enjoyment. Most Japanese incense makers clearly designate which of their incense sticks are for offerings and which are simply for room fragrances.
	Kosui (Fragranced Water): Used in Buddhist ceremony to bathe in prior to initiations as well as a purification of items, individuals, and areas. It is somewhat similar to the Holy Water of Catholicism. The sacred saffron-colored robes of the monks and nuns are washed in a mixture of this fragrant water as well. Aloes wood or Makko are commonly used to scent the water before it is empowered.
For an Esoteric Buddhist monk, the preparation for ceremonies involves all of these forms of incense. The body is purified by taking a bath in water infused with a large amount of Clove buds. This is followed by donning fresh robes that have been cleansed in Kosui. Then we would place a clove bud in our mouths to purify the breath for the recitation of Sutras and mantras. As we walk into the meditation area, we use Zuko to cleanse our hands and robes. Zuko in Buddhism represents the perfection of the vows. Just as the incense purifies our bodies, so shall the vows purify our minds. After making prostration we sit cross-legged before the altar. This is followed by the sprinkling of Aka-kosui to purify the surroundings. Senko is burnt to keep us aware of the passing time. Before us rests an Incense burner filled with Makko, upon which we place three pinches of Shoko. This is to purify the actions of Body, Speech, and Mind. Beside us is a special hand-held incense burner known as an Egoro, within which we burn fine grade incense such as Kyara. In Buddhism, the burning of Incense represents the perfection of effort. Just as incense when lit at one end burns until it reaches the other, we begin the practices to realize enlightenment and will not forsake them until we do so. As you can see, the role of incense is an integral part of Buddhist practice. In fact, it is almost unimaginable to have a Buddhist event without the fine aroma of incense floating about in the air.