The Significance of Incense and Fragrance in Buddhism
Lotus Sutra & Nichiren’s Letters
Incense and fragrance play a profound role in Buddhism. From the Lotus Sutra to Nichiren Daishonin’s letters, fragrance is praised as a symbol of purification, offering, and the inherent dignity of life.
Fragrance in the Lotus Sutra
The Lotus Sutra describes the Ten Kinds of Offerings, which include flowers, powdered incense, paste incense, and burning incense. These symbolize purity and devotion in honoring the Buddha’s teaching.
Another passage speaks of “precious censers burning priceless incense to offer to all Buddhas,” illustrating how fragrance spreads everywhere, just like the influence of faith and good actions.
Incense in Nichiren’s Letters
Nichiren Daishonin encouraged his disciples to make sincere offerings. In One’s Life Span he writes that chanting the Buddha’s name, reading the sutra, scattering flowers, and burning incense are all embraced as good causes within one’s own life. In another letter, he praises followers for sending flowers and incense as acts of devotion.
SGI perspective: In Nichiren Buddhism, the Buddha is not an external creator. Offering incense before prayer honors the Buddhahood within one’s own life and expresses sincerity in faith.
Symbolism of Incense
- Purification: removing impurities of mind and environment
- Offering: devotion that transcends form and reaches all directions
- Benefit spreading: like fragrance, good causes expand infinitely
SGI Members Today
For SGI members, incense is a personal choice rather than a requirement. Many prefer low-smoke incense for apartment living, while still valuing fragrance as a way to focus prayer and show sincerity. Thoughtful gifting of incense remains a warm expression of respect and encouragement.
Browse Buddhist Accessories Find incense, censers, and practice essentialsFAQ
- Is incense required in SGI practice?
- No, but it is cherished as a supportive practice to center prayer.
- Which types of incense are suitable for home use?
- Low-smoke sticks with gentle sandalwood or floral notes are popular for shared spaces.
- How does incense connect to faith?
- It is an outward gesture that mirrors the sincerity of faith and reverence for the Buddhahood inherent in life.
Role in writing: SGI Buddhist Shop
© 2025 SGI Buddhist Shop
No comments yet.