BODHISATTVA HEART - 100 y.o + naturally fallen old Sandalwood tree from temple garden

In our generic age, uniqueness and singularity are, for me the real luxury. 

This tree gave shade, beauty, presence, in a temple garden for more than  a hundred years. It got infused by the spiritual energy of the place and by the terroir  (red cedar and bamboo). Because of the very rocky terrain and thin soil, its growth was stunted with the happy collateral effect to - proportionally - concentrate the essential oils . It died naturally after a good life  And, after much reverence, and care, now it is offering its essence for our benefit, enjoyment and elevation.

Naturally fallen 100+ y.o Santalum album tree from southern Japan. The wood has been cured 3 years prior to distillation.

Distilled by a dear friend, skilled artisan distiller with a monk's patience, a loving art and a perfectionist attention to all details. The distillation process (late 2019) lasted for around 200 uninterrupted hours, at low temperature and fine tuned delicate pressure.

Such long distillation cycles are crucial for honoring very old wood, so all the oil patiently built up over decades and stuck in plant fiber material, can be released. Of course the cost of combustible and manual labor are important and reflected in the oil's pricing.  

The oil has been cured three years prior to release and, properly kept, will keep aging beautifully for decades.

My friend cured distilled the heartwood separately, it is the oil called Bodhisattva Roots. 

Olfactive profile

 While Sandalwood is not widespread Japan, it is revered, used ritually, largely used in the incense industry. The trees are cultivated in temple gardens and found native in some tropical zones. 

The robe is amber oud, Around the delicious Sandalwood core, one finds rich caramel and roasted ghee notes, with many interesting background nuances.

This oil has remarkable staying power. 

The inspiration behind the name  

Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have put off entering paradise in order to help others attain enlightenment.