Expert: Laurie McLauglin - 12/24/2009

Question
Being new to the practice of Buddhism, I have observed the burning of incense in temples and at funeral services. What is the significance of the burning of incense in Buddhist tradition?

Answer
Hello Jim -

Thank you for letting me answer your question.

I am not sure if there is a specific answer to your question.  I know that incense is used for purification.  For example, it is burned in front of the procession when an important teacher is entering a room and it is leads the way in front of Buddhist relics. It is used to purify the surroundings in these and other special occasions.

When making daily traditional water bowl offerings, it is used to purify the inside of the bowl before the water is added

It is also one of the seven traditional offerings that a householder offers to a guest in the old days when a traveller or visitor visited the house therefore it is one of the seven things that are offered to a Buddha when you do offerings.

Another reason is that it has a calming effect for meditation.

Another reason is that it is simply a tradition.

So those are the four reasons why I incenses is burned as far as I have learned in my eight or so years as a western Buddhist.

If you have any further questions related to this or any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.