The Incense Friends Gathering is not about who knows more; it's about training our noses together. A bit of basic etiquette makes the atmosphere more comfortable, and you benefit too.
Before attending, don't wear strong perfume and don't eat strongly flavored food. Our sense of smell is shared; the scent on you affects everyone. Clean and light is basic respect for a good burner of incense.
At an incense seat, usually follow the order guided by the host, smelling one by one—don't rush or cut in line. Lean in and inhale gently; don't blow hard at the incense burner. Let the fragrance come to you; that's more accurate than sniffing hard.
Keep quiet while appreciating incense as much as possible; save discussion for after a segment. Carry a small notebook to record your impressions—more useful than arguing on the spot about what this scent is. Everyone's nose is different; there is no standard answer for impressions.
The rules of the Incense Friends Gathering are essentially about giving each other a quiet space to smell incense.
If you want to bring your own material for everyone to smell together, let the person in charge know in advance so the order and burner equipment can be arranged. Pulling it out on the spot easily disrupts the rhythm.
When it ends, tidy your seat and say goodbye to the person in charge before leaving—that's basic decency. The Incense Friends Gathering relies on word of mouth; your sense of propriety is the reason you'll be invited again next time.
Explain your specific situation clearly, and we'll give corresponding judgments and suggestions—sourcing, personal use, and appraisal are all accepted.
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