Smells Good
Most people are aware that the sense of smell is powerful and can stimulate many other senses. Some time ago I heard a story on the radio about how the movie industry was investigating how to incorporate smells into films, perhaps by little misters under the seating. Smells can bring us back to childhood memories, perhaps of some meal our family shared or particular events. Smells can also bring up bad memories as well.
Here is an interesting bit of information. A study was done on the effect of lemon scented cleaning products. It was found that in passenger cars on commuter trains there was less rubbish not put in containers when there was a scent of cleaning products present in the air, compared to cars with no scent. Another study found that when given a smell of cleaning products prior to making out a to-do list those people given the scent put more cleaning related tasks on the list than folks who had no exposure to the smell of cleaning products.
“Wonderful fragrance is sent forth from the bodies of those Buddhas to the worlds of the ten quarters. The living beings of those worlds smell the fragrance joyfully, just as the branches of a tree bend before a strong wind.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XI)
At temples and frequently in homes people burn incense in order to create a more tranquil mood, in order to create an environment that is relaxing. We also burn incense because we wish to offer the sweet fragrance to the Buddha, even the Buddha in ourselves.
“Do not crave for inferior forms, sounds, smells, tastes or things tangible! If you cling to them and crave for them, you will be burned by them.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter III)
Without a sense of smell life can be somewhat hazardous. I myself can not smell bleach or ammonia, nor am I able to detect the smell of natural gas. It hasn’t always been that way, and it does cause me some concern. The plus side is that I also am unable to smell some of the bad odors in hospitals. But the sense of smell normally can provide us with a certain amount of protection. When it smells foul we naturally tend to avoid it.
In our practice we are provided cues in our lives that we can tune in to which will help us continue to do what is beneficial and avoid what is harmful.
“This is a very good medicine. It has a good color, smell and taste. Take it! It will remove the pain at once, and you will not suffer any more.”
This great sutra, is the good medicine, we should not be afraid or hesitate to take it to cure all of our sufferings and pains. But we have to take it, it will do no good if left on the shelf.
