This gesture is performed either once or a few times, depending on the Buddhist school. If in doubt, look for guidance at how the priest or the chief mourner, who is the first to offer incense ...

“I offer incense. I do my vows and then I sit ... But layered alongside this is his embrace of Buddhism: he’s been a Buddhist since he was a teenager, and he is now a Zen Buddhist priest.

Held the night before the funeral, the wake is a gathering of close family and friends. A Buddhist priest chants sutras, and attendees offer incense at the altar as a sign of respect. The Funeral ...