Natural Aroma ~Fresh Jasmine Blossoms~

For my first shrine visit of the year, I always go to Vĩnh Nghiêm Temple. It has ties to Japan — apparently it was built by a Buddhist who trained in Japan. There are Niō guardian statues, and there's even a bell donated by someone from Fukushima Prefecture praying for peace after the Vietnam War. In Japan you'd find a purification water basin and an offering box and so on, but here there's nothing like that (probably). At the temple entrance they sell incense and flowers for offerings, so I buy those and then go to pray.

The beautiful bouquet of lotus flowers, and that dangling ring lined with tiny white flowers clustered together like little bells — I absolutely love this.

Once, a Vietnamese acquaintance of mine bought some at a temple on a weekday and handed it to me saying, "Here, use it as an aroma," and its naturally sweet fragrance was so lovely that I couldn't help but let out a little cry of delight. It has a kind of powerfulness—a richness—and at the same time a gentle softness, all combined, which makes me feel truly indulgent. When I received it, just plopping it down in the bathroom was enough for its scent to fill the whole space.

Even without closing my eyes and concentrating on my nostrils, a gorgeous fragrance rushes into my nose all at once. It gives me the illusion of being in a hotel. So, I bought some for the people who came to worship with me too, and shared it with everyone. For about two days it filled the hotel with its fragrance and made us feel happy — a wonderful start to the year. You can buy them at each temple, so I purchase them from time to time. 【🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City — Price Info】 ＊Flower offering for worship: a ring combining jasmine flowers and hibiscus flowers 　1 piece = 2,000 VND Expat Life Ranking