The 10 Virtues of Koh

The “Ten Virtues of Koh” is a list of the benefits derived from the use of incense. These Ten Virtues have been passed down from the fifteenth century (the Muromach Era) and are still cited today as uniquely capturing the spirit of Koh.

(Original Page Source: http://nipponkodo.com/en/culture/virtues.html)

感格鬼神: It brings communication with the transcendent

清浄心身: It purifies mind and body

能除汚穢: It removes uncleanliness

能覚睡眠: It keeps one alert

静中成友: It can be a companion in the midst of solitude

塵裡偸閑: In the midst of busy affairs, it brings a moment of peace

多而不厭: When it is plentiful, one never tires of it

寡而為足: When there is little, still one is satisfied

久蔵不朽: Age does not change its efficacy

常用無障: Used everyday, it does no harm



After these Ten Virtues were established, Koh gradually evolved away from the sophisticated elegance of the courtier and acquired the character of a discipline, the way of Koh (Koh- Do).