Burning incence at Ryusen-ji

Often the Japanese temples are surrounded by the scent of incense. Burning incense has many meanings in the Japanese tradition, and it is believed that the perfumed vapors are purifying the air and the thoughts, burning the negative feelings accumulated over time, thus creating an appropriate state of mind for connecting with the deities. At the same time, burning incense is a sacred offering to gods, and a way of paying respects to Buddha...