Must offerings of light use real candles, or are electric lights acceptable?

Offering light does not necessarily require a burning candle. In Sheng Zhen Men’s practice, electric lights are acceptable too. A lamp expresses illumination and the intention to seek divine protection. Electricity alone does not make it meaningless. However, I do not consider electric lamps and candle flames completely identical. In my faith understanding, a flame has both light and heat. Some rituals for averting calamities and seeking blessings require this symbolism and effect, so I still prefer real flames there. That differs from using electric lights for year-long light-lamp offerings.

I have explained that Sheng Zhen Men’s year-long light-lamp offerings use electric lamps. Different ceremonies may have different lighting methods and periods of tending. First understand which activity you are joining and what you are praying for, rather than treating every lamp offering as identical.

Real flames also require on-site care. When discussing news of temple fires, I reminded people to pay attention to practical conditions involving candles, electricity, and so forth. Religious illumination and caring properly for the site can go together. Insistence on one form need not push these concerns aside.