Jodo Shinshu Buddhism
These notes are from a series of Buddhist Education sessions about how the everyday practices of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism can support mindfulness and insight for newcomers and lifelong Sangha members alike.
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| Buddhist School | Number of times | Way of offering |
| Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha (Nishi Hongwanji) | 1 time | Place a pinch of incense directly on the charcoal without raising it to the forehead. |
| Shinshu Otani-ha (Higashi Honganji) | 2 times | Place a pinch of incense directly on the charcoal without raising it to the forehead. |
| Soto Shu | 2 times | First time: raise a pinch of incense to the forehead before placing it on the charcoal. Second time: Place a pinch of incense directly on the charcoal without raising it to the forehead. |
| Jodo Shu | 1 to 3 times | No set guidelines. |
| Tendai Shu | 1 or 3 times | No set guidelines. |
| Shingon Shu | 3 times | Raise a pinch of incense to the forehead each time before placing it on the charcoal. |
| Rinzai Shu | 1 time | Raise a pinch of incense to the forehead before placing it on the charcoal. |
| Nichiren Shu | 1 or 3 times | No set guidelines. |
| Nichiren Shoshu | 3 times | Raise a pinch of incense to the forehead each time before placing it on the charcoals. |
Why only one pinch of incense in Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha?
We offer incense as an expression of gratitude to the great oneness that is Amida Buddha.
Continue reading “Incense Offering”Click here to read about incense offering etiquette in the Jodo Shinshu school, as well as other schools of Japanese Buddhism