| 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”