The Persistent Perception of Fragrance: What Causes It?

Some individuals, upon diligent practice of Buddhism, may occasionally perceive a special fragrance. This fragrance is of two kinds: one is the fragrance emanating from within the body, arising because the mind has become pure, the energy channels are unobstructed, and the internal fragrance manifests; the other is an external fragrance, brought by celestial beings or Dharma-protecting deities who accompany the practitioner. If you can explain even basic Dharma teachings to those around you, celestial beings may come to listen, and the surroundings may become exceptionally fragrant; this is the fragrance of celestial beings. Frequently reciting mantras may attract Dharma-protecting deities to follow and guard you; the fragrance they bring is also celestial fragrance.

The fragrance of the celestial realms does not exist in our human world; it cannot be found here. That kind of fragrance is extremely unique, causing one's mental state to become open, cheerful, and joyful, making the mind pure, tranquil, and clear, capable of eliminating afflictions. Those with good roots may have Dharma-protecting deities constantly following and safeguarding them, enabling very rapid progress. If one strictly upholds precepts, the Dharma-protecting deities will also take responsibility for you, constantly guiding and protecting you, helping to reduce your afflictions, transform habits, create more wholesome karma, and avoid unwholesome karma.

Therefore, as long as you do as much meritorious and wholesome conduct as you are capable of, the one who benefits most is ultimately yourself. Superficially, it seems you are doing it for others, and others gain advantages, but in reality, you yourself receive the greatest and most numerous benefits. Many people are offered opportunities to accumulate merit but refuse, thinking they might suffer a loss. In truth, by being unwilling to cultivate merit, to serve others and the Buddhist cause, they miss out on many readily available benefits. Is this not actually causing themselves a loss?

If a person clings only to their selfish mindset and refuses to change, they cannot obtain great benefits. Focusing solely on avoiding personal loss actually prevents them from gaining substantial benefits; it constitutes a loss in itself. Ultimately, they cannot even maintain or hold onto the little they currently possess. When the mind is too narrow and constricted, progress on the spiritual path cannot advance. Spiritual practice is about emptiness and selflessness. Clinging tightly to a selfish "self" all day while trying to cultivate selflessness—how contradictory is that? Clutching onto an "I" while trying to cultivate "no-self"—when will one ever achieve selflessness? One should learn to gradually let go of the self; only then can selflessness be realized.