Inspired by the Shaolin teaching of Great Freedom, this incense embodies balance, completeness, and the ability to remain centered amid life's changing circumstances.

In Chan tradition, true freedom is not the absence of responsibility or difficulty. It is the ability to move through both success and setback, activity and stillness, without losing one's inner equilibrium. This state is known as Da Zi Zai—Great Freedom.

Crafted from three of the most revered aromatic materials in traditional incense culture—Agarwood, Sandalwood, and Jiang Zhen Wood—this blend offers exceptional balance and depth. No single note dominates. Instead, the fragrance unfolds in harmony, creating a refined experience that feels grounded, expansive, and complete.

Great Freedom Incense is designed as an all-purpose companion for meditation, contemplation, tea practice, reading, daily rituals, and moments of quiet reflection. It is a fragrance of balance rather than intensity, of integration rather than specialization.

Inspiration & Symbolism

The name Great Freedom comes from a phrase frequently found in Buddhist teachings and Shaolin culture: "De Da Zi Zai" — attaining complete inner freedom.

In Chan philosophy, there is a distinction between temporary comfort and genuine freedom.

Temporary comfort depends upon favorable circumstances. When conditions change, peace disappears.

Great Freedom, however, arises from within. It is the ability to remain steady regardless of gain or loss, praise or criticism, comfort or hardship.

Within Shaolin tradition, this ideal appears across multiple dimensions of practice:

• In meditation, it is the stillness cultivated by Bodhidharma during his years of contemplation at the Dharma Cave.
• In martial arts, it is the ability to move without attachment to victory or defeat, allowing action to arise naturally from awareness rather than ego.
• In daily life, it is the capacity to meet each moment with clarity, compassion, and balance.

The incense formula itself reflects this principle. Agarwood provides depth, Sandalwood offers warmth and stability, while Jiang Zhen Wood contributes refinement and elevation. Together they create a harmonious whole greater than any individual ingredient.

Like the Shaolin ideal of Great Freedom, the fragrance is neither extreme nor excessive. It is balanced, complete, and naturally at ease.

Aroma Profile

• First Impression
  • Elegant woods with a smooth and refined opening.
• Heart Notes
  • Warm sandalwood and rich aromatic woods develop remarkable harmony.
• Lingering Character
  • Deep, balanced, and quietly sophisticated with a long-lasting finish.
• Overall Atmosphere
  • Balanced
  • Harmonious
  • Grounding
  • Refined
  • Complete

Traditional Ingredients

• Natural Agarwood (Chen Xiang)
  • Prized for its depth, complexity, and meditative character.
• Premium Sandalwood (Tan Xiang)
  • Provides warmth, smoothness, and a calming foundation.
• Jiang Zhen Wood (Jiang Zhen Xiang)
  • A treasured aromatic wood known for its elegant and uplifting fragrance.

Together, these three classic ingredients create a fragrance that feels both grounded and expansive, making it one of the most versatile blends in the Shaolin Twelve Chan-Incense States collection.

Handcrafted & Natural

Every stick is handcrafted using traditional incense-making methods.

• 100% natural plant-based ingredients
• No artificial fragrance oils
• No synthetic perfumes
• No chemical combustion accelerants
• No charcoal fillers
• Slow-burning and naturally aromatic

Crafted in small batches to preserve the authentic character of each botanical ingredient.

How to Enjoy

Ideal for:

• Meditation and mindfulness practice
• Tea ceremonies
• Reading and study
• Daily rituals
• Yoga and breathwork
• Home altar use
• Quiet reflection
• Creating a balanced and harmonious atmosphere

Technical Specifications

• Series:
  • Shaolin Twelve Chan-Incense States
• Name:
  • Great Freedom Incense (Da Zi Zai Xiang)
• Incense Length:
  • 21 cm (8.3 in)
• Incense Diameter:
  • 1.8 mm (0.07 in)
• Burn Time:
  • Approximately 30 minutes per stick
• Ingredients:
  • Agarwood, Sandalwood, Jiang Zhen Wood
• Available Options:
  • 2-Tube Gift Set (60–66 sticks)
  • 5-Tube Gift Set (150–165 sticks)
• Storage:
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

What's in the Box?

• Great Freedom Incense (2-Tube or 5-Tube option selected)
• Handwritten Thank You Letter from the ShaolinMart craft team
• Limited-edition Good Luck Stickers
• Everything arrives securely packaged, so your treasures are safe and sound.

How to Use

1. Place one incense stick in a stable incense holder.
2. Light the tip until a small flame appears.
3. Gently blow out the flame and let the incense smolder.
4. Enjoy the fragrance while relaxing, meditating, reading, or refreshing your space.
5. Burn in a well-ventilated area and never leave incense unattended.

Further Reading

The inspiration behind Great Freedom Incense comes from the Shaolin understanding of Da Zi Zai—the freedom that arises when the mind is no longer controlled by attachment, fear, gain, loss, or circumstance.

Across centuries of Chan practice, Shaolin masters have taught that true freedom is not found by escaping the world, but by engaging with it fully while remaining inwardly balanced.

Great Freedom Incense reflects this philosophy through a harmonious blend of three treasured aromatic woods. Neither overly stimulating nor overly tranquil, it offers a fragrance experience centered on equilibrium, making it a fitting companion for both contemplation and everyday life.

Among the Twelve Chan-Incense States, Great Freedom represents the state of integration—where wisdom, compassion, discipline, and serenity come together in natural harmony.