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Summary of Question:	What Is The Purpose Of The Incense Stick Or 'Thoof'?
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Saturday, 12/04/2004 7:06 PM MST

Dear Brothers/Sisters

I have had a continuous issue with my family, about the purpose of the incense sticks or 'thoof'. Some have argued it deters the bad spirits/ghosts, others use it as a form of prayer. Or is it just another material form of daily prayers/rituals? Is this something that Guru Nanak had introduced to us?

Can anyone give me some insight as to the real purpose of the incense.

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reply
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Sat nam. Use of incense is ancient as a practice throughout Asia, and precedes Sikhi. I believe it served two purposes, but I don't know the specifics of the history of incense. (1) It gave a pleasing odor to the air (might have been useful before modern sewage systems!); and (2) to 'clear' the air and lend a meditative ambience to it. Many people like to have the scent of incense in the room they meditate in. Some folks may think it gets rid of ghosts or spirits, but this is bunk. I know in Chinese culture, incense is an offering at the altars of worship. So it has a variety of uses.
HOWEVER, use of incense in any aspect of Sikh practice is not a tradition nor a requirement. Guru ang sang,
-DKK