Why do Buddhist burn spiral incense? Do they have rituals like that? or?

Question

somekind of prayers? is it more of a mind control meditation seeing how i thought they were agnostic?

i have a korean niegbor. she is an older lady. my dog was barking and i looked over the fence and saw it. i like her i was just trying to understand her more... she doesn't speak english so it's impossible to ask her... thx for the answers...

Answer 1

Buddhist, in varous countries, burn a variety of differnt types of incense.

When Buddhist appear to be praying, they actually call upon the innate Buddha nature that is wihtin each individual, calling upon themselves to awaken to the reality of existance.

They might also be thinking positive thoughts towards others, hoping for their enlightenment and well being or reciting one of the many teachings of the Buddha so as to recall it and better put it into practice in their life.

Buddhism does practice a sort of mind control. Through meditation, one learns to silence that seemingly continous flow of chattering and useless thoughts that scurry through most persons minds.

They also practice mindful awareness, compassion, kindness and tolerance.

They do not generally beieve in a diety the way most other religions do. In fact, Buddhism is not a religion, it is a life philosophy that everyone can apply to their life.

To learn more about Buddhism, I would refer you to "the Heart of the Buddha's Teachings", by Thich Naht Hanh.

May it all be well with you.

Answer 2

Some Buddhists are agnostic,some even atheist, some are monotheist but most are polytheist or boddhisatva-connected

Incense is a symbol of honor and devotion and of prayer arising and going off(like prayer flags) and it can be a sense aid in meditation

Answer 3

Actually ...... in the olden days, the burning of spiral incense were used to make sure the mosquitoes keep clear. In current days, well .... it is used to get rid of mosquitoes as well ...... It was never a buddhist tradition until it reaches China.