Why can reducing incense make some worshippers feel less reassured?

Some believe from childhood that incense and joss paper are necessary for deities to receive their intentions. After years of such worship, removing incense can feel incomplete. Even hearing that sincerity matters may not immediately reassure. Understanding the unease requires recognizing the practice’s importance to them.

Early on, we supported environmental protection and did not prepare joss paper. An older client repeatedly worried whether the Bodhisattva would know without incense and paper. I explained that worshipping with hands alone was also known to the deity, yet concern remained. Lifelong messages from surrounding people had established the idea deeply.

This illustrates inner and outer energy. Personal thoughts are influenced by family, custom, and surrounding views. Shared habitual worship becomes personal belief, and changes create conflict. In my practice understanding, shaken confidence in a deity also affects corresponding strength in prayer.

This does not mean government incense reduction directly weakens everyone’s faith. I understand and support environmental effort for Earth. My concern is explaining beforehand to deeply habituated believers that deities still know and respect can still be expressed without incense or joss paper. Acceptance can remove that conflict.

I also once wondered why people traveled south when Taipei worshipped the same deity: sincerity should allow prayer inwardly. Later, I understood that faith develops differently. I can feel divine energy with palms joined, while others need a temple visit, incense, and a visible statue for connection. My experience alone cannot demand immediate acceptance of one method from everyone.