ABSTRACT
The Ongee regard odour as the vital force of the universe, as well as the basis of personal and social identity. In order for the cosmos to remain harmonious, both individual and social olfactory equilibrium needs to be maintained. Ephrem’s olfactory imagery is about encountering God through sensory experience. The odour of sanctity at the death of a saint was believed to be due to the sweet smell of the soul leaving the body. The dualism of mind/body in the religious arena led to covering up the naked state of the body itself and to repugnance of bodily odour. The combination of breath, posture and meditation has all sorts of positive effects on the mind and body; for instance, increased mental alertness and reduction in stress, anxiety neurosis, bronchial asthma, thyrotoxicosis migraine and rheumatic disorders.
