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Adults should know the etiquette for offering incense.
However, have you ever had the experience of being confused by a sudden memorial service and not knowing the correct etiquette for making offerings?
In this article, we will explain the steps and correct etiquette for offering incense.
What is the meaning of offering incense?
There are several reasons for offering incense.
First of all, the scent of incense is said to be the "food" of the deceased .
In particular, the custom of keeping incense burning until the 49th day is meant to ensure that the deceased has food to eat on their journey to the afterlife.
These are the reasons why the scent of the deceased person that they liked when they were alive is chosen for the incense.
Incense also has the meaning of purifying the body.
The scent of the incense will remove the smell from the visitors, putting them in a state of mind and body that is suitable for facing the Buddha.
There is also a belief that the smoke from incense connects this world with the afterlife.
It can be said that offering incense has the meaning of preparing to face the deceased.
How many incense sticks should I offer?
The number of incense sticks offered varies depending on the sect.
In the Tendai and Shingon sects, three incense sticks are lit and placed in an incense burner.
They are placed with one in front and two on the side of the altar so that they form an inverted triangle when viewed from this angle.
In the Jodo, Soto, Nichiren, and Rinzai sects, one stick of incense is lit and placed in the center of the incense burner.
A characteristic of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect is that incense is left lying down without being stood up, regardless of the number.
The specific procedure is to fold the incense stick in half, light both halves, and lay it down with the lit part facing left as viewed from your side.
The etiquette is similar in the Otani sect of Shinshu Buddhism.
Proper procedure for offering incense
The most confusing thing about offering incense is the procedure.
Since there are differences between visiting a funeral home and visiting your own home, many people may not know the timing of the prayer or how to light the fire.
Here we will explain the steps.
Procedures for offering incense at a funeral home
When visiting someone to offer incense, be sure to let them know in advance that you will be visiting.
Whether before or after the funeral, it is considered advisable to avoid mourning attire and wear casual clothing when paying condolences.
This is to avoid appearing as if the deceased's death was anticipated, which would be considered rude.
Be mindful of the amount of skin you expose, and avoid looking too flashy or conspicuous.
- We offer our condolences to the family and are then guided to the funeral where we offer incense.
- Although this may vary depending on the region or area, first hold the rosary in your left hand.
- If there is a cushion in front of the Buddhist altar or altar, bow to the bereaved family before sitting down.
- Then, place both hands through the rosary, bow towards the altar, and join your hands together.
- Once that's done, light the candle.
- Light the incense sticks and once smoke has risen, place the incense sticks either upright or lying flat in the incense burner according to the sect of the person being mourned.
- After that, ring the bell and put your hands together.
- Bow once more to the portrait of the deceased, then step down from the cushion and bow again to the bereaved family.
If there are multiple mourners, the incense should be placed in an empty space in the incense burner rather than in the center.
If you are offering two incense sticks, it does not matter whether you place them apart or bundle them together, but it is better to bundle them together as much as possible to make space in the incense burner.
By the way, it is taboo to blow out the incense stick with your breath.
Fan the incense stick with the hand opposite to the handle to extinguish it.
Procedures for offering incense at a funeral home
- When lighting incense at home, first hold the rosary in your left hand.
- Then, sit facing the altar, put the rosary on both hands, and join your hands together.
- Light the candle and then the incense in that order, and after checking for smoke, either stand the incense sticks upright or lay them flat in the incense burner according to your sect.
- Then, we ring the bell and put our hands together again.
Furthermore, even at home, it is not advisable to light incense directly with a lighter when offering it.
It is best to transfer the flame from the candle to the incense.
By learning the meaning of incense and mastering the proper etiquette, you can deeply remember the deceased.
It is also important to know the meaning and correct etiquette of offering incense.
But more than that, it is something you should know in order to calm your mind and mourn the deceased deeply.
Follow the proper procedures and pray for the repose of the deceased's soul in a calm and composed manner.
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