Wenda20160207B 33.23
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF INCENSE BURNING SLOWLY OR QUICKLY?
Caller: When we offer incense to Bodhisattvas, if one offered to a particular Bodhisattva burns especially slowly or quickly, what does it signify?
Master Jun Hong Lu: There are two explanations for this. First, the quality of the incense itself may determine whether it burns fast or slow. Different types of materials such as sandalwood are mixed together to produce each type of incense. There is a certain kind of incense made from scented powder mixed together with a type of sticky substance, which causes the incense to burn quicker if more is added, and vice versa. Second, under normal circumstances incense will burn faster if Bodhisattva has visited, and slower if Bodhisattva does not stop by.
Caller: I understand now. There was another situation where the joss stick stopped burning midway. Is there an explanation for this?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It is the same as the earlier scenario. There are two explanations for it. The result could be attributed to the quality of the incense, whereby a lump of sticky powder stopped the burning joss stick midway. Or it could be Bodhisattva or heavenly Dharma Protectors are expressing their displeasure with you.
Caller: Oh. Master Lu, could such a situation also occur if the offering is not handled in the appropriate fashion?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Generally, this should not happen. Should it occur, you must have done something inappropriate , and the heavenly Dharma Protectors are unhappy about this action.
Caller: I understand. Thank you Master Lu for answering my questions.
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