Question: I am troubled by a report that says inhaling burning joss sticks is harmful to our health. Is there any solution?
Answer: There are some forms of incense made of herbal substances. Perhaps you can use them instead, after checking their ingredients? Or you can continue using the usual incense but offer less. There are many kinds of incense – stick, powdered, coil, cone, wood… The better the quality is, the less harmful it should be.
Knowing the significance of incense, you will realise the quantity offered does not matter. It is supposed to remind us to spread the fragrance of our virtues in all directions for all beings, while the sweetness of incense only goes where the wind blows. You can also offer other fragrant substances, such as essential oils for the same reminder.