The Ginans are religious lyrics which have long been a central part of the religious life of the Indian Mizari Ismaili community (known as Khojas), and continue to form their living poetic tradition. Aziz Esmail's translation is suggestive of the depth of religious thought, feeling and imagination out of which this poetry was born, and the lyrical beauty of the form in which this experience found a voice. The poetry of the Ginans illustrates an historically and culturally specific conception of the world, and of the norms peculiar to that culture, as well as a religious perception that forms a significant part of the religious experience of mankind. This volume will appeal both to specialists and more general readers, including Indologists, scholars of Islam in the Subcontinent, students of Comparative Religion, Comparative Literature, and those with an interest in mystical or devotional poetry.

James McHugh offers the first comprehensive examination of the concepts and practices related to smell in pre-modern India. Drawing on a wide range of textual sources, from poetry to medical texts, he shows the deeply significant religious and cultural role of smell in India throughout the first millennium CE. McHugh describes sophisticated arts of perfumery, developed in temples, monasteries, and courts, which resulted in worldwide ocean trade. He shows that various religious discourses on the purpose of life emphasized the pleasures of the senses, including olfactory experience, as a valid end in themselves. Fragrances and stenches were analogous to certain values, aesthetic or ethical, and in a system where karmic results often had a sensory impact-where evil literally stank-the ethical and aesthetic became difficult to distinguish. Sandalwood and Carrion explores smell in pre-modern India from many perspectives, covering such topics as philosophical accounts of smell perception, odors in literature, the history of perfumery in India, the significance of sandalwood in Buddhism, and the divine offering of perfume to the gods.

Santalum album L. (East Indian Sandalwood) is a medium sized semi-parasitic tree which can reach to a height of 33 to 66 feet in height. It is called as a miracle tree because of its immense uses in trade and traditional form of medicine in South East Asia. As it is semi parasitic in nature it prefers to “extract” nutrients from the roots of nearby plants by using haustoria. Essential oils of sandalwood have antispasmodic (relieve spasm of muscles), antibacterial (kill bacteria) and antiviral (kill viruses) properties. Sandalwood is used in treatment of inflammation, skin disorders, rashes, cough, fever, flu, hypertension and restlessness. Essential oils are used to improve functioning of liver, heart and stomach and to strengthen the gums of teeth and muscles. The fragrant oil from the wood is one of the choicest perfumery material in the world and is recently reported to be highly effective in treatment of breast cancer too. It is mentioned in ancient scriptures of and various ASEAN countries that every part of sandalwood is used for some or the other benefit of human beings. This book is a compilation of information published in scientific journals regarding the cultivation and utilisation of this wonder tree. The chapters in the book contain a wide array of information regarding its distribution, uses, diversity, nursery techniques, plantation technology, insects and pests in plantation, harvesting and utilisation of sandalwood. It is expected that the book shall provide a ready to refer information for people interested in Sandalwood cultivation in ASEAN countries and world over.

Why spend so much on perfume when you can easily make your own sweet-smelling fragrance for cheap? Why expose yourself to carcinogenic or toxin chemicals contained in store-bought perfumes when you can pull together natural and chemical-free ingredients to keep you attractive and healthy? Aroma is something that appeals to all of us, whether it is the aroma coming from the kitchen or from a person. A good smell does make a lot of thing easy, and it puts our mind at ease as well. Yes! Fragrances from perfume revive memories but you can start to create new and exciting ones and begin your journey into new memory lanes. Pull yourself from the crowd and make your own unique blend. Dare to be refreshingly different! These recipes are very easy to follow. While some of these recipes can be created in a few hours, some may take several weeks to get perfected. However, the result for them at the end of the day will be worth it. They include: • Floral perfume recipes • Earthy and Herbal perfume recipes • Sandalwood perfume recipes • Scented water There are over 40 perfume recipes to try your hands on. Be sure to follow each step carefully. Relax! The procedure is simple so you won’t be disappointed.

A fascinating exploration of the natural history of scent and human perceptions of fragrance from the viewpoint of plant and pollinator Plants have long harnessed the chemical characteristics of aromatic compounds to shape the world around them. Frankincense resin from the genus Boswellia seals injured tissues and protects trees from invading pathogens. Jasmine produces a molecule called linalool that attracts pollinating moths with its flowery scent. Tobacco uses a similarly sweet-smelling compound called benzyl acetone to attract pollinators. Only recently in the evolutionary history of plants, however, have humans learned to co-opt their fragrances to seduce, heal, protect, and alter moods themselves. In this wide-ranging and accessible new book, biologist-turned-perfumer Elise Vernon Pearlstine turns our human-centered perception of fragrance on its head and investigates plants' evolutionary reasons for creating aromatic molecules. Delving into themes of spirituality, wealth, power, addiction, royalty, fantasy, and more, Pearlstine uncovers the natural history of aromatic substances and their intersection with human culture and civilization.

Bestselling brand P.F. Candle Co. offers a modern, “so-easy-you-will-be-tempted-to-try-it” introduction to enhancing your home with fragrance and making your own custom scents and candles Candles have evolved in both function and style over the years. Gone are the days of overpowering, artificial scents: The focus on subtle, complementary fragrances is here to stay. P.F. Candle Co. has been leading this charge for more than a decade, amassing a huge following, and now they want to share all that they’ve learned in their first book. Equal parts design and DIY, At Home with Fragrance will teach you which fragrances work best for each room, how to interpret your distinct design style into fragrance, and (the best part!) how to make candles, room sprays, and incense with your own custom scents. The design and fragrances featured in this book are inspired by the authors’ home state of California: organic and relaxed elements, as well as scents drawn from nature, are the hallmarks of P.F.’s design ethos. Scent is the perfect way to express your unique design sense—and the art of making your own fragrances and candles offers an affordable DIY approach. Filled with tips and recipes for room sprays, incense, candles, and more, the book unlocks the secrets of P.F.’s hallmark style—creating atmosphere with candles and scent—and helps readers make it their own.