Dr. Hinohara, age 102 and one of Japan’s most prominent and beloved physicians, is visiting the Bay Area, and giving a lecture next Sunday, October 13th in San Francisco.  To know something about him, here’s a profile of him from nearly 10 years ago…when he was what you might call just a young spring chicken…age 94 (!).

Dr. Hinohara is a former Chief of Staff and President ofSt. Lukes International Hospital in Tokyo.  He has been practicing there for over 70 years… this doctor never formally retired. To this day, it is said that he makes patient rounds and calls, never using the hospital elevator and on foot, going up and down the stairs.  He is on TV and magazines often and has published countless number of books.  He did have a US media coverage before when only 97 (!) Obviously what’s on everyone’s mind is this: How does he do it? Everyone wants to know his secret – Where does he get his fountain of youth?  What is his secret to long and healthy life…People are so in awe of someone who has lived to 102 and still manages to be healthy in mind and spirit – like those legendary yogis you hear about – only he’s this rather average looking man with a gentle smile and superb intellect – What is the secret?

In one of the talks, he mentions the value of  “jyouzu ni ikiru”.  “jyouzu” means “well done” “smart” or “well” – “ikiru” means to “to live”.  On seminars on living “well” or “smartly”, he has spoken with other experts in the area of aromatherapy, sound/music therapy – and spoke highly of any modality of healing therapies that directly influences our 5-senses. Whether through aroma  – smelling the beautiful scents (nose) or music –  hearing beautiful sounds (ears) and/or sensing the vibrations in the air – in chanting or singing (throat) – all olfactory sensory experiences positively work on our nervous system, thus improving the overall quality of life.

It is a common practice for incense to waft through the air at Japanese temples as you hear the deep calming gongs of the bell vibrating the air – the heart and mind can settle in that tranquility …  At home, it has always been a common practice in honoring the dead family members and ancestors to light an incense and pray in honor of them.  My grandparents home had a family buddhist alter in the dining room corner so my grandmother would casually light an incense in her apron as she busily puttered around back and forth between the kitchen and the dining room.  It was a sacred space but not apart from everyday life, positioned right smack in the heart of the house to bring us good luck.  It served as an amulet or like a talisman, the mini-alter box was symbolic representation of our guardians, our ancestors and the recent deceased, giving the family the strength to withstand hardship and protecting the family from any evil. She may burn an incense and chant or pray in silence – then make an offering of some sake or cake and tea… seasonal fruits…Sometimes the offering may be the favorite cake from a certain bakery, served with some tea… it was etched into the fabric of her regular daily life.

The burning of the incense is used in more formalized meditation setting as well. The incense is lighted at the beginning of your practice, and your meditation is over when the last 1mm of incense burns and falls off into the urn as ashes. I was taught that Japanese “senko” when lighted usually lasts about 30 minutes, perfect for timing your meditation practice.  It was utter tranquility in midst of all the chaotic activities that a family dining room served.

It is noted on this utube video footage that here in US too, aromatherapy has improved the quality of life at this certain hospital…

Thanks to Mari Sensei, the most gracious and knowledgeable aromatherapy teacher in the Bay Area, I am able to experiment and concoct a formula that really alleviates the common health issues of today without resorting to unnatural and unnecessary methods – the beautiful scents from nature can really reduce stress and uplift the spirits, promoting the natural R&R response to take place …Thank you for the lovely scents Mari sensei.